Top 4 Lakes around Kempsford
Lakes around Kempsford are primarily situated within the extensive Cotswold Water Park, a region known for its numerous lakes. This area, located in Gloucestershire, offers diverse recreational and ecological experiences. The park encompasses over 150 lakes, providing habitats for wildlife and opportunities for various water and land-based activities. It is one of the largest marl lake systems in the UK.
Best lakes around Kempsford
- The most popular lakes is Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, a cycle_way that features a flowing surface track with quality turns through the lakes. This route is known for its good surface and fun corners.
- Another must-see spot is Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot, a river and natural monument. This location on the River Thames is a wild swimming spot, historically used for loading cheese onto boats.
- Visitors also love Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars, an intermediate lake trail. It features gravel paths that pass between lakes bordered by lakeside houses and includes a cafe nearby.
- Kempsford is known for its diverse range of lakes, including those for wild swimming, cycling, and nature observation. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from natural monuments to trails alongside residential areas.
- The lakes around Kempsford are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 20 upvotes and 4 photos.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot
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It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes
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Buscot Lock and Weir
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The lock was purchased (included within a large estate) as part of Buscot Park in 1859 by Robert Tertius Campbell with money acquired in the Australian goldfields. He fitted water wheels to irrigate his estate, but sold up within 10 years, the result of overspending and bad luck. Later owners, Thomas Cook the travel agents, gave the site to the National Trust.
visitthames.co.uk/about-the-river/river-thames-locks/buscot-lock
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Peto Water Garden
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Source: Discover Britain
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Grotesque Head Pillars by the Lake
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Best To Visit Is In The Spring & Summer
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The pillars are carved with grotesque heads. These once stood at the top of the steps to the Peto Water Garden but have been moved to their current lakeside location.
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A spectacular water garden which Harold Peto began designing in 1904 and finished in 1911. This is a series of stone-lined pools and canals filled with water lilies where there is always the gentle sound of trickling water. Steps and paved walks on either side take you past stone balls and sculptures, benches, a fountain – down to a tree-lined lake spanned by an elegant stone bridge, where a domed temple stands on the far shore like a scene from a Classical painting. Ducks, geese, herons, dragonflies and kingfishers have colonized this watery environment; and along its gentle downhill slope you will be tempted to explore tree-lined alleys where other features await discovery in the shade or sunlit clearings. Source: Discover Britain
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Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
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Nice flowy route, good surface and fun corners
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Taking its name from the place where delicious cheese were once loaded onto boats for shipping to London, Cheese Wharf is now a brilliant wild swimming spot on the River Thames near Buscot. It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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Buscot Lock is the smallest of the 45 locks on the Thames. The manual beam-equipped pound lock was built in 1790, today it looks just as it did more than 200 years ago. Before the lock was built, there was a flash weir, where boats would 'run the rapid' downstream. When the lock was built the weir was owned by E Loveden of Buscot Park, who was a very strong champion of Thames navigation. The lock keeper's cottage was built in 1791 and features a fish house. The old weir was renewed by Lord Faringdon of Buscot Park in 1909, and was replaced by the new cut and weir in 1979. It is a lovely weir pool which is now a National Trust picnic area and otters, kites and kingfishers can be spotted. The lock was purchased (included within a large estate) as part of Buscot Park in 1859 by Robert Tertius Campbell with money acquired in the Australian goldfields. He fitted water wheels to irrigate his estate, but sold up within 10 years, the result of overspending and bad luck. Later owners, Thomas Cook the travel agents, gave the site to the National Trust. https://www.visitthames.co.uk/about-the-river/river-thames-locks/buscot-lock
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Kempsford?
The lakes around Kempsford, particularly within the Cotswold Water Park, offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various water sports like sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. For land-based activities, there are numerous well-marked walking and cycling trails. You can also find specific routes for road cycling and gravel biking. For example, there are several road cycling routes and gravel biking routes available in the area.
Are there good spots for wild swimming near Kempsford?
Yes, a notable spot for wild swimming is the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot on the River Thames near Buscot. This location is historically significant and is owned by the National Trust.
Which lakes are best for wildlife observation and birdwatching?
For exceptional wildlife viewing, consider visiting Whelford Pools Nature Reserve and Roundhouse Lake. Both were once gravel pits that have transformed into freshwater havens, attracting a variety of wintering wildfowl, including Wigeon, Red-crested Pochard, and Goldeneye. In spring, Great Crested Grebes perform their courtship displays, and summer brings abundant dragonflies and damselflies. Otters, nightingales, and bitterns can also be spotted.
Are there family-friendly activities or lakes suitable for children?
The Cotswold Water Park features an inland beach, which is great for family bathing. Additionally, the Grotesque Head Pillars by the Lake are a unique man-made monument that can be an interesting stop for families.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Kempsford?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for general outdoor activities like cycling, as noted for the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes. These seasons also offer opportunities to see dragonflies and damselflies. For birdwatching, winter is excellent for observing wildfowl, while spring is perfect for seeing courtship displays of birds like Great Crested Grebes.
Where can I find good cycling trails around the lakes?
The Cotswold Water Park offers numerous cycling trails. A popular option is the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, known for its flowing surface and quality turns. Another area with good cycling paths is the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars, though caution is advised for those on skinny tyres due to deep gravel in some sections.
Are there any specific lakes known for fishing?
Yes, Claydon Park Fishery, located within the Cotswold Water Park near Lechlade-on-Thames, is known as an 'angler's lake.' It's over 50 years old and holds a variety of coarse fish, including Pike over 30lb, Tench over 9lb, Bream, Roach, and Perch. It's a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walking trails around the lakes?
The Cotswold Water Park offers diverse terrain. Many trails are well-marked and can range from easy, flat paths to gravel paths. For instance, the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars feature gravel surfaces. The overall area is generally low-lying, making for accessible walks.
Are there any nature reserves with unique ecosystems?
Cleveland Lakes Reserve is a significant wetland nature reserve comprising two large lakes (Lakes 68 and 74) in the Cotswold Water Park. It boasts the largest area of reedbed, marsh swamp, and willow carr in the region, providing a rich habitat for fish, birds, and insects. Elusive water voles and otters also inhabit its streams and reedbeds, supported by high water quality.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
Yes, within the Cotswold Water Park, you can find waterside pubs. The area around the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars also features a trendy cafe near the main reception, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.
What are the general characteristics of the Cotswold Water Park?
The Cotswold Water Park is a vast network of over 150 lakes spanning 40 square miles, making it one of the largest marl lake systems in the UK. It's known for its crystal-clear waters and lack of tides, which makes it ideal for various water sports. It's also a significant habitat for a wide array of wildlife and offers numerous land-based activities.
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