Discovering England: Tring Reservoir Walks
One of the best advantages of living in Enfield is its proximity to extended green spaces and natural habitats which are home to varied wildlife. I love a good walk in the countryside. It never disappoints - fields and cottages, trees and flowers and ofcourse the wildlife. Yesterday we headed out to the Tring Reservoirs which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest well known for its wildlife.
Tring Reservoirs are actually a group of 4 reservoirs - Wilstone, Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford. While Wilstone is the largest(119 acres) of the four and is located close to the village of Wilstone, the other three are much smaller and adjoin each other. All the four reservoirs are home to many different species of wildfowl and are popular among birdwatchers.
Bird hides are located at the Tringford and Wilstone reservoirs. The marshy margins of the reservoirs, reed beds, tranquil ambiance and plenty of food makes these reservoirs a favourite for many migrating birds as well.
Whichever walking route you choose there are plenty of water birds and wildlife to spot. All the three routes end at the starting point which is the car park. The place tends to be a bit busy during weekends and bank holidays, so it is better to get there early to ensure you get space in the car park.
Useful information
Reservoir is open at all times
Pay and display car parking.
Cafe on-site near the main car park.
Best time to visit: April to July and November to February.
If you live near Tring, then you should get out there and do some exploring - the Tring Reservoirs are a wonderful place to walk, cycle, bird-watch and have a picnic - a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Just remember to wear sturdy footwear, carry a pair of binoculars and wear warm clothes as the top of the reservoir banks are mostly windy.
Do you have any favourite walking paths? Let me know which one it is.
Tring Reservoirs are actually a group of 4 reservoirs - Wilstone, Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford. While Wilstone is the largest(119 acres) of the four and is located close to the village of Wilstone, the other three are much smaller and adjoin each other. All the four reservoirs are home to many different species of wildfowl and are popular among birdwatchers.
How to get to Tring Reservoirs
The reservoirs are located around 3 kms north-west of Tring in Hertfordshire (HP23 4PA). The drive from Enfield to the reservoirs is under an hour in good traffic. There is a pay and display car park at the entrance to the reservoirs - at the Startop's End (£1.50 for 3 hours). There is also a smaller car park at Wilstone Reservoir, off the same road. If you travelling by train, you need to get down at Tring station which is a 30 minute walk from the reservoirs - a short and scenic canal side walk.Bird-watching at Tring Reservoirs
The four reservoirs were built in 1800s to supply parts of the Grand Union Canal with water. It was the time of the Industrial Revolution and the reservoirs played an important part in ensuring that the commercial traffic flowed smoothly. Even today water is supplied to the canal from these reservoirs. However, now the reservoirs have taken on other roles are well - they act as breeding and nesting areas for a large species of birds. It was only when we visited the reservoirs I learnt that the reservoirs became famous in the world of ornithology after the nesting of the black-necked Grebes in 1918. It was a first in the UK. During our visit we spotted some of the more common birds and yes even the Great-crested Grebe in its beautiful breeding plumage. It was a wonderful experience.Bird hides are located at the Tringford and Wilstone reservoirs. The marshy margins of the reservoirs, reed beds, tranquil ambiance and plenty of food makes these reservoirs a favourite for many migrating birds as well.
Walking at Tring Reservoirs
There is a choice of 3 different routes for walking around the reservoir. The Red route which is a 2.5 mile walk around Startop's End and Tringford reservoirs is ideal for a quick walk along the water bodies and field edges. The Green route is slightly longer at 3 miles while the longest route is the Yellow route which takes in the 3 reservoirs, passes through the village and also includes a beautiful walk along the Grand Union Canal. This one is a great walk with a bit of everything.Whichever walking route you choose there are plenty of water birds and wildlife to spot. All the three routes end at the starting point which is the car park. The place tends to be a bit busy during weekends and bank holidays, so it is better to get there early to ensure you get space in the car park.
Useful information
Reservoir is open at all times
Pay and display car parking.
Cafe on-site near the main car park.
Best time to visit: April to July and November to February.
If you live near Tring, then you should get out there and do some exploring - the Tring Reservoirs are a wonderful place to walk, cycle, bird-watch and have a picnic - a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Just remember to wear sturdy footwear, carry a pair of binoculars and wear warm clothes as the top of the reservoir banks are mostly windy.
Do you have any favourite walking paths? Let me know which one it is.
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