Top 5 Lakes around West Somerset District

For a wide range of outdoor activities, Wimbleball Lake is an excellent choice. It offers kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, archery, and a high ropes course. You can also enjoy walking and cycling on its extensive network of paths. For fishing enthusiasts, Clatworthy Reservoir is renowned for its high-quality trout fishing. If you're interested in hiking, you can find various trails around these lakes. For more hiking options, explore the hiking guide for West Somerset District.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Wimbleball Lake is particularly family-friendly, offering an activity centre with various sports and a network of paths suitable for all ages. The Wimbleball Dam itself is a moderate trail for everyone to explore. Otterhead Lakes are also ideal for families, with footpaths, bridges, and opportunities for children to play in the stream and observe wildlife.

For a unique wild swimming experience, head to Pinkery Pond. Located on Exmoor, it's a beautiful freshwater swimming spot accessible from the Tarka Trail. Visitors can also explore a tunnel there for an added adventure.

Nutscale Reservoir, nestled deep within a valley in Exmoor, provides picturesque views of the water surrounded by countryside, offering a peaceful escape. The View of Wimbleball Lake from Bessom Bridge also offers excellent perspectives of Wimbleball Lake on both sides. Clatworthy Reservoir, with its rolling hills and ancient woodland, is another serene spot for enjoying the countryside.

Absolutely. Wimbleball Lake features an extensive network of footpaths suitable for various abilities, including a moderate loop from Haddon Hill. Clatworthy Reservoir offers a five-mile walking route and a shorter woodland trail. Otterhead Lakes also have footpaths for nature walks. For more options, consider exploring the easy hikes guide for West Somerset District.

The lakes and their surroundings are rich in wildlife. Clatworthy Reservoir is home to diverse species, including wildflowers, bats, birds, and over 1,000 invertebrate species. At Otterhead Lakes, you might spot ducks, various wildfowl, and deer. In spring, Otterhead Lakes are known for their bluebells, and in February for snowdrops.

Yes, Wimbleball Lake has an on-site cafe, Coffee Couture at Wimbleball Lake, conveniently located near the car park. Clatworthy Reservoir provides a fishing lodge, picnic area, and accessible toilets. While Pinkery Pond and Nutscale Reservoir are more secluded, nearby villages often offer amenities.

Yes, Wimbleball Lake has cycle tracks suitable for various abilities. The wider region also offers challenging cycling routes through Exmoor National Park. You can find more detailed cycling routes in the cycling guide for West Somerset District.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring brings wildflowers like bluebells to places like Otterhead Lakes, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for water activities at Wimbleball Lake and wild swimming at Pinkery Pond. Winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, especially around the Exmoor lakes.

Yes, Wimbleball Lake is designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, making it an excellent location for stargazing and observing the night sky, especially on clear evenings.

Nutscale Reservoir is considered a hidden gem because of its secluded location deep within a valley in Exmoor. Many passing hikers might not even realize it's there, offering a truly tranquil and unspoiled natural escape with beautiful views of the water nestled into the surrounding landscape.

Many of the lakes in the region are man-made reservoirs. For instance, Nutscale Reservoir was originally dammed in 1942 to supply fresh water to Porlock and Minehead. Wimbleball Dam, which created Wimbleball Lake, was constructed between 1974 and 1979, standing over 40 meters tall.