If you are somebody who loves being near, or on, the water then a walk around Farmoor Reservoir is for you. It’s really quite exhilarating!
There are 2 reservoirs, one which is a 1.7 mile walk around and another which is 2.4 miles. There is a causeway which splits the two if you don’t fancy the full 4 miles. A word to the wise: it is BLUSTERY! Because it is so exposed up there the wind really whips around (which also makes for great sailing and windsurfing) and even when the sun is shining it still feels cold.
The paths are nice and flat and it’s a really popular spot for walkers, of which there are many, especially groups of mums out with pushchairs . There are also people fishing, sailing and wildlife photographers too. You may spot particularly the remote control mini sail boats whizzing around the water too – little ones will be transfixed by these.
For little ones the flat terrain will suit their little legs and there are lots of birds to spot, especially swans loitering around the waters edge. Bring binoculars and spend some time in the bird hide looking out over the water.
The reservoir links to 3 different nature reserves: Pinkhill Meadow, Buckthorn Meadow and Shrike Meadow, all of which are good for bird watching. Pinkhill Lock is also nearby and can be accessed on foot by a path behind the smaller reservoir, this is on the Thames Path so there is ample opportunity here for linking up to countryside walks.
For dog walkers there is a Countryside Walk, a 5.8k circular walk following rural footpaths around the perimeter of the reservoir; from what I have heard this can get very muddy in wet weather and there are several gates to negotiate so I wouldn’t recommend a pushchair for this one.
File this one under walks and blustery fun!
