Top 12 Lakes around Hemingford Abbots
Best lakes around Hemingford Abbots are primarily found in the surrounding area, offering access to the River Great Ouse and its associated water meadows. This region features a landscape shaped by former gravel works, now transformed into significant natural attractions. The area provides opportunities for nature observation, water sports, and walking routes. Nearby Hemingford Grey also contributes notable lakes that serve as key recreational spots.
Best lakes around Hemingford Abbots
- The most popular lakes is Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, a lake that features an amazing cycle lane with water views on both sides. This nature reserve consists of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries.
- Another must-see spot is Grafham Water, a cycle_way. Visitors can expect a route around the reservoir with some inclines, offering beautiful scenes and a mixture of gravel, mud, and road surfaces.
- Visitors also love Far Fen Lake, a lake that is part of the RSPB Nature Reserve and is recognizable by an island near its eastern shore. It is a haven for wildlife, attracting various species including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese.
- Hemingford Abbots is known for nature reserves, former gravel pits, and reservoirs. These bodies of water offer diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities.
- The lakes around Hemingford Abbots are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 40 photos shared.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Grafham Water
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
Far Fen Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Godmanchester Nature Reserve
Highlight • Historical Site
As well as songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl, the reserve is also notable for its Roman heritage. Roman Lake was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Tip by
Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Hemingford Abbots.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Being here three times in the nice weather, I consider this a place where you can reset yourself after your daily routine or others, where you can sit and listen to the seagulls and the geese and any other sound. In the evening the sunset was so astonishing during the summer. I understood the place was becoming muddy after a few days of rain.
0
0
Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
0
0
The cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.
0
0
The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
0
0
The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
0
0
Good cafe usually busy but plenty of space for bikes and a playpark for youngsters. Great crazy golf course due to open May 2023.
0
0
The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Hemingford Abbots?
The lakes in this area, often formed from former gravel pits, are now rich nature reserves. You can observe diverse wildlife, including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese, particularly at places like Far Fen Lake. The region also features the River Great Ouse and its associated water meadows, offering scenic views and a variety of birdlife.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous walking and hiking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the Godmanchester Nature Reserve loop or the Houghton Mill and Houghton Meadows Walk. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Hemingford Abbots guide.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Grafham Water is considered family-friendly, offering a route around the reservoir. Godmanchester Nature Reserve, with its four lakes and grassland, is also a superb place for a family walk. Additionally, Wildlife Sanctuary Lake offers attractive waterside walks suitable for families.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features an amazing tarmac cycle lane with water views on both sides, running parallel to the bus-way. Grafham Water also offers a route around the reservoir suitable for cycling, with a mixture of gravel, mud, and road surfaces. For more cycling options, check the MTB Trails around Hemingford Abbots guide.
Are there opportunities for fishing in the lakes near Hemingford Abbots?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Hemingford Grey's Marsh Lane Pit, a 64-acre lake, is known among anglers for its challenging conditions and impressively large fish, including double-figure bream, large tench, and rare carp. Access is available through the London Anglers Association ticket.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
The lakes offer something year-round. For birdwatching and wildlife, any season can be rewarding. However, for walking and cycling, spring and summer provide pleasant conditions, though some paths at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve can be flooded between autumn and spring, making them impassable for road bikes.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Godmanchester Nature Reserve is notable for its Roman heritage, as Roman Lake within the reserve was the site of a Roman well discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Where can I find parking when visiting the lakes?
Parking is available at various locations. For instance, at Far Fen Lake, there is parking available for a fee of £2. Specific parking details often vary by lake or reserve, so it's advisable to check local information for your chosen destination.
Can I engage in water sports at any of the lakes?
Yes, Lake Ashmore in Hemingford Grey is a dedicated center for various water sports. It offers activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), wakeboarding, inflatables, and open-water swimming, making it a hub for active recreation.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hemingford Abbots?
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the peaceful nature and wildlife observation, especially at places like Far Fen Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake. The well-maintained cycle paths and walking routes, along with the challenging fishing at spots like Marsh Lane Pit, are also highly valued.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options around the lakes?
Many of the natural areas and trails around the lakes are suitable for dog walking, provided dogs are kept under control. For example, the walks around Godmanchester Nature Reserve and along the River Great Ouse are popular choices for dog owners.
What are the difficulty levels of the walking routes near the lakes?
Walking routes vary in difficulty. Many easy hikes are available, such as the Godmanchester Nature Reserve loop. However, some routes, like the 21km Houghton Mill – St Ives Old Riverport loop, can be more challenging. You can find detailed difficulty grades for various routes in the Easy hikes around Hemingford Abbots guide and the Running Trails around Hemingford Abbots guide.
Most popular routes around Hemingford Abbots
Most popular attractions around Hemingford Abbots
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Hemingford Abbots? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
