Top 20 Lakes in Cornwall

Cornwall's lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing at places like Stithians Lake and Siblyback Lake. Many lakes also provide excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, and wildlife spotting. For example, Colliford Lake has way-marked paths and bike trails, while Porth Reservoir is a designated bird sanctuary with hides for birdwatchers.

Several lakes in Cornwall are ideal for walking and cycling. Siblyback Lake features a stunning 5km circular path suitable for pushchairs and bikes. Colliford Lake offers way-marked paths and bike trails. Loe Pool, surrounded by the Penrose Estate, is also a delightful area for walkers and cyclists. For more options, you can explore various easy hikes in Cornwall, including the Siblyback Lake Trail.

Yes, many lakes in Cornwall are dog-friendly. Siblyback Lake, for instance, welcomes dogs on its 5km circular path. It's always a good idea to check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially around nature reserves or areas with livestock, but generally, the region's lakes offer great spaces for walks with your canine companion.

Cornwall's lakes are popular fishing spots. Siblyback Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and Stithians Lake is also frequented by fishermen for rainbow trout. For coarse fishing, Port Eliot Lakes are known for carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, and rudd, while Trebellan Park Lakes are full of carp, roach, and tench.

For watersports, Stithians Lake is a hub for activities such as wing-foiling, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Siblyback Lake also offers rowing boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for hire in the summer. These lakes provide excellent facilities and conditions for enjoying various water-based activities.

Yes, Siblyback Lake offers a stunning 5km circular path that is suitable for pushchairs. While specific wheelchair accessibility can vary, paths suitable for pushchairs often indicate a relatively flat and well-maintained surface. For more general accessible options, the Mousehole Harbour area is listed as wheelchair accessible, offering a different type of lakeside/harbour experience.

Cornwall's lakes are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. You can spot kingfishers and wagtails at Colliford Lake, and Porth Reservoir is a designated bird sanctuary with two bird hides, perfect for observing various species. Tamar Lakes feature a wildlife zone where herons, kingfishers, and egrets are often seen. Argal and College Lakes are renowned for waterfowl like wigeon, pochard, and great crested grebes. Loe Pool is also known for its wildflowers in spring and vibrant autumn colours.

Yes, Cornwall's lakes are often surrounded by interesting features. Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history. Loe Pool is Cornwall's largest natural lake, separated from the sea by a shingle bar, making it a unique geological formation. You can also find viewpoints like Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, which features a lake and offers trails and climbing opportunities.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for watersports and enjoying the warmer weather, with facilities like boat hire available at Siblyback Lake. Spring brings wildflowers around Loe Pool, while autumn offers vibrant colours. For stargazing, Siblyback Lake is an International Dark Sky Landscape, making winter an excellent time to visit for clear night skies. Many lakes offer peaceful walks year-round.

Yes, some lakes have facilities nearby. Stithians Lake has a watersports centre and the Golden Lion lakeside inn where visitors can relax. While not all lakes have direct cafes, many are close to towns or villages that offer dining options. For example, the charming fishing village of Mousehole Village and Harbour, which features a lake category, has small shops, restaurants, and cafes.

For longer cycling routes that incorporate the lakes, you can explore options like the 'St Stithians Lake & Pendennis Point loop from Falmouth' for road cycling, which is a moderate 46.8 km route. For gravel biking, the 'Sibleyback and Colliford loop from Bodmin' offers a challenging 64.2 km ride. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Cornwall and Gravel Biking in Cornwall guides.

While some lakes are popular for watersports, specific designated wild swimming spots are less common in the inland lakes compared to the coast. Always check local regulations and safety information before attempting wild swimming, as conditions and permissions can vary. Lakes like Siblyback Lake offer supervised watersports activities, which might be a safer alternative.