Dartmoor’s reservoirs are hidden gems. Nestled in beautiful landscapes, these tranquil spots offer extraordinary views, excellent walks and a host of other things to do on Dartmoor.
All of Dartmoor’s reservoirs have been man-made, with some dating back over 100 years, and are designed to hold water that can serve nearby towns. There are dozens across Dartmoor, but our guide includes the biggest and most popular ones to visit.
Avon Dam and Reservoir are beautifully situated in the moors of South Dartmoor. It’s a bit of a walk from the car park to the reservoir, but once you’re there, it’s a wonderfully quiet place with plenty of flat walks and scenic views.
Parking for the reservoir is at Shipley Bridge, and getting to the dam involves a 2.5-mile walk uphill, most of the distance on a tarmac path. Once you’re there, it’s a great spot for a picnic.
Image Credit: Avon Dam and Reservoir by Brian. CC BY-SA 2.0
Burrator is one of the most popular reservoirs in Dartmoor and a wonderful way to spend a day exploring the natural wonders of the region.
Beyond the gorgeous waters of the reservoir, Burrator has a wonderful Discovery Centre, a small building on-site which provides a history of the area, guides on walking routes and much more. The Discovery Centre is only open on certain days, so it’s best to check when you’re making plans.
The areas around Burrator are teeming with wildlife, making them perfect for family walks and teaching little ones all about the natural world.
Fernworthy is a magical part of Dartmoor to explore, teeming with mystical forests and archaeological history. The functioning reservoir, nestled between the trees, adds to the mystique of this special region.
Fernworthy is most popular for its walking trails which take in the lake, beautiful moss-covered forests and historic landmarks such as the medieval Stone Circle. Lots of work has gone into making Fernworthy accessible, and there’s nearly a mile of path that is wheelchair and buggy-friendly.
Fernworthy Reservoir is located just outside Chagford, where you can find our Mill End Hotel! We are just a 25-minute drive from this location and many other landmarks across Dartmoor, making it the perfect place from which to explore the region.
Image Credit: Fernworthy Reservoir by Chris Thomas-Atkin. CC BY-SA 2.0
These three reservoirs sit next to each other along Dartmoor’s eastern edge, and each offers something different.
Kennick is a beautiful reservoir exclusive for anglers due to its narrow banks. With a large local fly fishing community, this spot has everything you’ll need, with stocked rainbow and natural brown trout, angler’s permit room on-site and boats available for advanced hire.
Tottiford (carp) and Trenchford (pike) offer different fishing but these reservoirs are perhaps best known for their picturesque views and walking routes.
Tottiford is Dartmoor’s oldest reservoir, dating back to 1861, and new archaeological discoveries are still being made in the area. Trenchford, meanwhile, is a hive of wildlife activity, notably with it being home to a rare and protected hazel dormouse community.
One of the highlights of Northern Dartmoor, Meldon Reservoir is an engineering marvel that stands at one of Dartmoor’s highest points, approximately 900 feet above sea level.
The last of Dartmoor’s existing reservoirs, built in the early 1970s, this striking dam is an enjoyable sight for those with an interest in construction and engineering. It’s also home to some of Dartmoor’s most popular walks, taking in such landmarks as the Granite Way and the ancient Wistman’s Wood.
If you’re not much of a rambler, the wide-open countryside of Meldon Reservoir is perfect for a stroll and a picnic.
While Roadford is slightly outside Dartmoor, it’s a big enough attraction that it’s worth mentioning for visitors looking for reservoirs to enjoy.
Despite being called Roadford Lake, it is a manmade reservoir similar to others in this guide. Created in 1989, it’s the biggest of its kind in the southwest and has the facilities to match.
With a watersports activity centre, cafe and play area on-site, as well as room for fishing, plenty of walks and scenic views, Roadford Lake has it all. No matter what you’re into, Roadford is a great way to spend a day surrounded by the area’s natural beauty.
Image credit: Path through meadow by Roadford Lake by David Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0
One of Dartmoor’s best-kept secrets, Venford Reservoir is a wonderful escape into lesser-walked paths. Nestled within deep woodlands, many of the nearby walking trails are covered and teeming with wildlife, including rare ground nesting birds such as the Ring Ouzel.
Many people will combine a visit to Venford Reservoir with a walk around Dart Gorge and Bench Tor, which offers stunning views of the wooded valley. Venford is also a free wilderness fishery, making it a hidden gem for anglers in Dartmoor.
Image credit: Venford Reservoir on Dartmoor by Maurice D Budden. CC BY-SA 2.0
Dartmoor’s reservoirs are just one way to explore the tranquillity of the wonderful region. If you’re looking for more peaceful outdoor ideas, we’d also recommend exploring the best picnic spots on Dartmoor.