Chinnor Quarry Lakes
Chinnor Quarry Lakes (Old Kiln Lakes): Former Cement Works & Nature Reserve | Oxfordshire Chilterns
Explore Chinnor Quarry Lakes, also known as Old Kiln Lakes or the "Blue Lagoon" - a fascinating former chalk quarry transformed into a community nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest at the foot of the Chiltern escarpment.
Historic Background:
1908 - W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor
1919 - Industrial-scale cement production began
1990s - Peak production: 5,600 tonnes per week, employing up to 120 people
1999 - Cement works closed
2000s-Present - Redeveloped by Taylor Wimpey Homes as open access community facility
Geological Significance:
✓ Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - 20.4-hectare geological site
✓ 100 Million Years of History - Mid-Cenomanian stage of Cretaceous period
✓ Fossil Rich - Excellent exposures of Totternhoe Stone with numerous ammonite fossils
✓ Lower and Middle Chalk - Important geological formations
✓ Geological Conservation Review Site - Nationally significant geology
The Lakes Complex:
Multiple water-filled former quarries of varying depths:
Main accessible lakes with viewing screens
"Blue Lagoon" - deeper SSSI lake with steep exposed chalk cliffs (restricted access, viewable from Oakley Hill)
Seasonal pools and wetland areas
Complex of muddy and stony beaches
Freshwater but highly alkaline content
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:
DO NOT SWIM - Water is highly toxic and dangerous:
Extremely high pH levels (alkaline)
Can cause skin/eye irritations, stomach problems, fungal infections
Very deep in places
Hidden machinery beneath surface
Water deliberately dyed to deter swimming
Swimming is extremely dangerous and not permitted
Wildlife & Birdwatching:
Winter Species:
Large numbers of Teal, Pochard, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck
Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon (occasional)
Common Gull flocks
Marsh Tit from Chiltern woodland
Raven, Peregrine, Buzzard, Red Kite on ridge
Year-Round:
Winter Thrushes
Extensive scrub habitat (hawthorn, juniper, sycamore)
Willow and birch scrub around seasonal wetlands
Chalk grassland reversion areas
Two designated viewing screens for bird observation
Walking Routes:
Main Circular Trail: 3.9km loop (unmarked)
Free access and parking
Traffic-free paths around lakes
Views of chalk cliffs and escarpment
Connects to Ridgeway National Trail
Various route options from easy to intermediate
Starting Points:
Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Station - longer walk around whole site
Housing development streets (be considerate of residents) - quicker access
Ridgeway parking (limited, off-road) - access to "Blue Lagoon" viewpoint
Trail Features:
Viewing screens overlooking lakes
Chalk grassland and geological interest
Woodland paths through Chiltern scrub
Concrete tracks through former quarry workings
Connection to BBOWT Oakley Hill Nature Reserve (butterfly hotspot)
Ridgeway National Trail access
Film Location Fame:
Die Another Day (2002) - James Bond film opening hovercraft sequence filmed here with explosions and machine gun fire in the quarries and demolished cement works.
Facilities & Access:
✓ FREE admission and parking
✓ Open access community facility
✓ Multiple parking options
✗ No toilets on site
✗ No refreshments (visit Chinnor village for cafés/pubs)
✗ Some paths suitable for buggies but very bumpy
Nearby Attractions:
Chinnor & Princes Risborough Heritage Railway - Regular steam services
BBOWT Oakley Hill Nature Reserve - Chalk downland, butterflies
BBOWT Chinnor Hill Nature Reserve - Woodland and grassland
Ridgeway National Trail - Ancient long-distance path
Cambrian Tea Room - Railway carriage café at station
The Wheatsheaf - Southern African themed pub with garden
Fishing:
Chinnor Works Angling Society (25+ years) has permission to fish the lakes - carp and tench present despite alkaline water.
Activities:
Birdwatching (bring binoculars/scope)
Nature observation
Dog walking (very popular)
Hiking and walking
Photography (dramatic chalk cliff scenery)
Geological interest
Educational visits
Location: Hill Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4DB
Region: South Oxfordshire, Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Nearby Towns: Chinnor, Princes Risborough, Bledlow
A remarkable transformation from industrial cement works to thriving wetland nature reserve - combining geological heritage, wildlife habitat, and community recreation in the stunning Chilterns landscape!
Music: bensound.com