Ash Vale

Children will enjoy the adventure playground, looking for wildlife on the lakes and completing the brass rubbings.

There are lots of pontoons where you can get a good view of the lake

The Basics

Time: 25 minutes

Distance: 1.5 km / 1 miles

Terrain: Flat and firm lakeside paths.

Pushchairs: This route is suitable for pushchairs.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk.

Refreshments: There are no refreshments at the nature reserve.

Toilets: There are no toilets at the nature reserve.

Public Transport: The nearest bus stop to the entrance is on Vale Road at the Napier Lane stop.

Parking: Free car park off Lakeside Road - narrow entrance with height barrier (Postcode: GU12 5AA - W3W: ///tiny.bulb.heap)

There is a great adventure playground next to the car park

This pocket sized nature reserve packs in one large and some smaller lakes, woodland, meadow and an adventure playground. The walk is short and incredibly easy to follow so makes a great option for small children. Those wanting a longer walk could use this as a starting point to join The Blackwater Valley Path or The Basingstoke Canal Towpath.

The Route

The route starts next to the car park and play area. Standing with your back to the car park, head off to the left and join the lake at a little viewing point. Turn left and walk anti-clockwise with the water to your right.
The easy-to-follow path will take you around the main lake; always keep the main lake to your right. There are a series of off-shoots to explore that lead to fishing pontoons and boardwalks. Children should also look out for posts with nature themed brass rubbings (bring a pencil/crayon and some paper).
The simple loop can complete itself in the woodland when you are presented with a junction and a signpost saying ‘car park’. Bear right here to head back to the car park and play area. Alternatively, you can continue through the woodland for a short while and pass a couple of smaller ponds before returning to the car park.

Although we didn’t walk any further, heading north at step three should lead you onto the Blackwater Valley Path and heading south should lead you down to the A331, and around that point, you should be able to join the Basingstoke Canal.

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Route map for Lakeside Nature Reserve by Sally Broom on plotaroute.com

Did you know?

Rumour has it that when the car park was being built, part of the cement mixing lorry was damaged, so they decided just to bury it under the car park!

If you enjoyed this walk…

…this walk at Mytchett is just along the Basingstoke Canal which you can combine with a visit to Frimley Lodge Park.

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Lakeside Nature Reserve

Ash Vale

Children will enjoy the adventure playground, looking for wildlife on the lakes and completing the brass rubbings.

If you enjoyed this walk…

…this walk at Mytchett is just along the Basingstoke Canal which you can combine with a visit to Frimley Lodge Park.

Follow us on social media to see our new walks and get regular updates on our old ones:

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