Linford Lakes
Enjoy a cycle or walk via country lanes around the pretty Linford Lakes area in the Ouse Valley, Milton Keynes. The route follows a section of the Hanslope Circular Ride, a cycle and walking route around Milton Keynes.
The route takes you around the outside of the Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, which requires a permit for access and no cycles are allowed in the reserve. The nature reserve has a large lake, meadows, woodland and a complex of ponds. From the observation hides in the reserve you can look out for many species of bird, including waders breeding in the summer and winter visitors such as Smew and Great White Egret. Boardwalks take you through the complex of ponds, which teem with wildlife including many species of dragonfly. Permits to access the nature reserve, which must be obtained in advance, are available from http://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/linford-lakes-permit. Permit holders are welcome to cycle to the nature reserve - bicycles may be locked-up at the Study Centre situated at the reserve entrance.
The route also follows a section of the Grand Union Canal and passes nearby to the historic Great Linford Manor Park.
If you would like to continue your exercise you could enjoy more waterside walking along the Grand Union Canal or head to the nearby Willen Lake.
Please click here for more information
Linford Lakes Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Linford Lakes Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Linford Lakes OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Linford Lakes Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the east of the site there's Newport Pagnell to explore. There's some lovely riverside trails, a fine local park and several historic buildings to see in this nearby town. The town is well known for being the original home of the exclusive sports car manufacturer Aston Martin. There's also a Grade I listed iron bridge dating from the early 19th century to see here.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Buckinghamshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Fishing lakes
Linford Lakes. This wildlife sanctuary is on the edge of Milton Keynes
Manor grounds, Great Linford. Head south from the house and you can explore Great Linford.
St Andrews Church from the Grand Union canal at Great Linford. You can pick up the canal south of the lakes and enjoy this scene.