Top 16 Lakes around Winnersh
Best lakes around Winnersh are found in several outstanding lake environments and country parks nearby. Winnersh is situated close to Dinton Pastures Country Park, Horseshoe Lake, Heath Lake, and Maiden Erlegh Lakes, which offer diverse natural features. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities, nature observation, and walking routes. The area features a variety of lake types, from large country park lakes to unique ecological sites.
Best lakes around Winnersh
- The most popular lakes is Horseshoe Lake, an other natural area that is part of the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve. This lake is popular for dinghy sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and is also a location for birdwatching.
- Another must-see spot is Dinton Pastures Lake View, a cafe and viewpoint within a large country park. Visitors can find a vast 450-acre space with seven lakes, woodlands, and meadows, offering activities like sailing, fishing, and kayaking.
- Visitors also love Hurst Village Pond, a viewpoint in the village of Hurst. This picturesque location provides benches overlooking the pond, suitable for a short break.
- Winnersh is known for country park lakes, unique ecological lakes, and village ponds. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct natural characteristics and recreational opportunities.
- The lakes around Winnersh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 15 upvotes and 6 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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
Horseshoe Lake
Highlight • Natural
There's a cafe at the watersports centre which is open throughout the summer season as well as picnic benches outside. If you're a keen birdwatcher then you'll find plenty of feathered friends here. You can see geese, widgeons, kingfishers and swallows at various times throughout the year.
Tip by
Hurst Village Pond
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Dinton Pastures Lake View
Highlight • Cafe
The convenient car parks (parking charges apply, see dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking-and-location/), which can fill up especially at weekends when the weather is nice, make it a good place to meet as a group (pandemic restrictions allowing) and start/end a bike ride on the outskirts of Reading.
Incidentally, this is where the friendly "Dinton Sky Ride" group (facebook.com/groups/409137742582442) meet to start their rides, well worth joining if you are looking for company and new routes in the area!
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Winnersh.
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
Rolling through Dinton Pastures in the evening is fast, quiet, and just eerie enough to keep you sharp. The gravel trails run smooth, looping through open glades and shadowy patches where the bats skim low and the bugs feel unusually organised. Signs still warn: “No faster than a jogger.” If we’re still honoring old world metrics, that’s Daniel Komen’s 2 mile world record from 1997—about 24 km/h (15 mph). Back when things were still… consistent. Whether the rule’s enforced is unclear, but if the rangers are still around and still armed like they were during the “wildlife management years,” best keep it respectful. You don’t want to find out what counts as a pest now. Bring good lights, stay smooth on the corners, and be aware: things move in the treeline. Usually ducks. Occasionally something else. Either way-yield with confidence. Ride safe. Keep your exits in mind. And remember: dusk is when the place starts to remember
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do at the lakes near Winnersh?
The lakes around Winnersh offer a variety of activities. At Dinton Pastures Country Park, you can enjoy sailing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Horseshoe Lake is popular for dinghy sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, open water swimming, paddleboarding, and raft building. Many lakes also provide excellent opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and nature observation.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities around Winnersh?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Dinton Pastures Country Park features engaging play areas and adventure golf, alongside its many lakes and woodlands. Horseshoe Lake also has an activity centre with various watersports suitable for different ages. Maiden Erlegh Lakes offers well-maintained paths for walking and rich wildlife for observation.
Where can I find unique natural features among the lakes near Winnersh?
For unique natural features, visit Heath Lake, which is Berkshire's only acid lake. This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) supports rare plant species like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot due to its naturally high pH level. It's also a haven for birdwatching.
Are there good walking routes around the lakes near Winnersh?
Absolutely. Dinton Pastures Country Park is highly praised for its scenic walks, and Maiden Erlegh Lakes offers tranquil paths through ancient woodlands and around the lake. Heath Lake also has walking trails through its surrounding marshy land, woodlands, and open grassy spots. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guide for Winnersh.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Winnersh?
The lakes are generally accessible year-round. Dinton Pastures Country Park is open throughout the year, offering different experiences with each season. For birdwatching, Horseshoe Lake is particularly good for diverse winter and breeding birds, while Heath Lake and Maiden Erlegh Lakes are excellent for wildlife observation during warmer months when plants and insects are most active.
Are the lakes near Winnersh dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. Dinton Pastures Country Park is known for its dog-friendly facilities and scenic walks. It's always advisable to keep dogs on leads in nature reserves and areas with sensitive wildlife to protect the local ecosystem.
Where can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Dinton Pastures Country Park has cafes and a visitor centre, making it a comfortable day out. Dinton Pastures Lake View specifically offers a cafe. Horseshoe Lake also has a cafe at its watersports centre, open during the summer season.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Dinton Pastures Country Park offers birdwatching from three dedicated hides, with Lavell's Lake being a local nature reserve. Horseshoe Lake is home to diverse birds, dragonflies, and butterflies. Maiden Erlegh Lakes boasts over 100 species of butterflies and moths, more than 50 species of birds, and various fungi and trees.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. Dinton Pastures Country Park has convenient car parks, though parking charges apply. Heath Lake offers a small, free parking area, though spaces can be limited. For specific details on parking charges and locations, it's best to check the respective park websites.
Can I reach the lakes near Winnersh by public transport?
Winnersh is well-connected, and some lake areas are accessible by public transport. Dinton Pastures Country Park is located just a mile from Winnersh station, making it quite accessible. For general public transport information in the area, you might find resources like visitbytrain.info helpful.
Are there any quiet or less-known spots among the lakes?
While popular, areas like Maiden Erlegh Lakes offer a tranquil atmosphere with well-maintained paths, providing a peaceful escape. Hurst Village Pond, though smaller, is a picturesque location with benches, perfect for a quiet break.
What are the difficulty levels of walking trails around the lakes?
Many lake trails, such as those at Dinton Pastures and Maiden Erlegh Lakes, are generally considered easy to moderate, suitable for leisurely walks. For specific trail difficulties and distances, you can refer to the hiking guide for Winnersh, which lists routes with varying difficulty grades.
Most popular routes around Winnersh
Most popular attractions around Winnersh
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Winnersh? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
