Top 20 Lakes around Crowthorne
Best lakes around Crowthorne offer a variety of natural landscapes, from tranquil nature reserves to areas suitable for watersports. The region features expansive woodlands and heathlands, providing diverse environments around its water bodies. Several lakes in the area are recognized for their ecological significance, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These natural features contribute to Crowthorne's appeal for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Crowthorne
- The most popular lakes is Rapley Lake, a forest lake perfect for a walk within Swinley Forest. The area is known for its scenic beauty and network of paths.
- Another must-see spot is Hawley Lake, a lake surrounded by extensive woodland. Visitors can explore a mixture of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths, with spots suitable for paddling.
- Visitors also love Heath Lake, a natural monument and the only acid lake in Berkshire. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique plant life and offers opportunities for birdwatching.
- Crowthorne is known for its diverse range of lakes, including natural acid lakes, woodland-bordered lakes, and those within expansive forest settings. These offer varied experiences from ecological exploration to scenic walks.
- The lakes around Crowthorne are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 70 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
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Hawley Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
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Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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It would be helpful to put in the walk title where it is!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes for walking around Crowthorne?
For scenic walks, Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest is highly popular, known for its beautiful forest setting and network of paths. Another excellent choice is Hawley Lake, which offers a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced trails through extensive woodland. Both are appreciated by the komoot community for their natural beauty.
Are there any lakes suitable for watersports near Crowthorne?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake, located near Crowthorne, is a popular hub for watersports. You can enjoy activities such as dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing there. It also has an activity center and a café during the summer season.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and birdwatching?
Heath Lake is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the only acid lake in Berkshire, supporting rare plant life. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with swans, ducks, and various other birdlife. Horseshoe Lake also attracts diverse avian populations, including geese, widgeons, kingfishers, and swallows.
Are there family-friendly lakes and walks in the Crowthorne area?
Many lakes around Crowthorne are family-friendly. Heath Lake offers pleasant walks and free parking, making it easily accessible. Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake also provide enjoyable walking experiences for families, though paths can be muddy after rain at Rapley Lake. The trails around the former TRL Site also offer wide, well-surfaced tracks suitable for families.
What is unique about Heath Lake?
Heath Lake is unique because it is the only acid lake in Berkshire. This distinctive environment supports rare plants like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot, earning it the designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's surrounded by woodland and heathland, offering a tranquil natural experience.
Can I find easy walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy walking options. For instance, the area around Heath Lake offers pleasant, accessible strolls. Additionally, komoot features several easy hiking routes around Crowthorne, such as those near Ambarrow Hill Summit or Wildmoor Heath Nature Reserve, which can be combined with lake visits. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Crowthorne guide.
Are there any historical landmarks near the lakes?
While not directly adjacent to all lakes, the Five Arch Bridge at Virginia Water Lake is a notable historical landmark. This stone bridge, rebuilt in 1826, is architecturally imposing and crosses the northern side of the lake. The nearby Wellington College also has a rich history, with its grounds being a biodiverse SSSI.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walks around Crowthorne lakes?
The terrain varies. Around Rapley Lake in Swinley Forest, you'll find a network of paths that can become muddy after heavy rainfall. Hawley Lake offers a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths. Heath Lake is surrounded by woodland and heathland trails. Generally, you can expect a combination of forest paths, gravel tracks, and natural earth trails.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, the expansive Swinley Forest, which includes Rapley Lake, is a popular destination for cycling and mountain biking. The area features varied terrains and dedicated trails. You can find more details on routes like the Swinley Forest Blue Trail or Red Trail in the MTB Trails around Crowthorne guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Crowthorne?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports at Horseshoe Lake and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to areas like Rapley Lake. Winter walks can be tranquil, though paths, especially around Rapley Lake, can be muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Heath Lake offers free parking on site, making it easily accessible. For other lakes, it's advisable to check specific access points, but many popular spots in the region provide parking facilities.
Can I go running around the lakes?
Absolutely. The woodlands and well-maintained tracks around lakes like Rapley Lake and Hawley Lake are excellent for running. The former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) site near Crowthorne also offers wide, well-surfaced tracks perfect for running. For more detailed routes, refer to the Running Trails around Crowthorne guide.
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