Springwell Lake 22/11/2020
A short (ish) bimble this time. A bright Saturday morning, with azure blue skies and some fairly remarkable clouds. As always, we wanted to walk, but as usual, didn't know where to go. I suggested the Coi Carp and a walk along the canal as Sue and I had done in September. It was a stretch Martin didn't know. However, we didn't go far enough along the A412, turned off too soon and found ourselves at Springwell Lock. As there was a car park there we thought 'this'll do' and got out to mosey around the lock. We started off down the tow path and then realised there was access to Springwell Lake itself and the walk was sorted.
The first bit was fenced off and appeared to have access only for anglers, but just a short way further on and the path proceeded alongside the lake itself.
It was quite lovely with views similar to Stockers Lake, but somewhat less obstructed. And the reflections were so beautiful. Sky and water and trees and clouds.
After a while we passed some reed beds. Springwell reedbed is the largest in the London area, making up 6% of all the reedbeds and acting as a natural filter, helping to improve water in the Colne Valley. Will probably be better to visit in the Spring or Summer to try and spot the warblers.
Continuing on we came to a duckboard walkway that took us right around the southern/western end of the lake. There was a swampy area to the left with lots of moss and fungi on the rotting wood and further on some rather muddy patches of path. Then the views opened out again and the reflections were once again amazing.
My favourite photo of the day
We bimbled slowly on, trying to capture photos of the grebes and herons until another reed bed stretched out across the lake. Eventually we had completed the circuit and exited onto the road, only to find we were further down the lane from the car park. But a short walk brought us back and we decided to head to Rickmansworth and the Cafe@Lock81 where we naturally partook of burger and chips while sitting on the lock steps.
One last walk along the canal to Batchworth Lake to feed the swans and ducks and then back to the car. A lovely walk and some great photo opportunities.
