Top 4 Lakes around Glastonbury

The Somerset Levels are a haven for wildlife. For exceptional birdwatching and diverse ecosystems, visit Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail and Westhay Moor Nature Reserve. These areas are known for marsh harriers, kingfishers, various waterfowl, and even otters and water voles. The Great White Egret has made a significant comeback here.

Yes, the area is popular for fishing. Myrtle Lake in Westhay is renowned for carp fishing, offering a tranquil experience with limited anglers. Festival Lake, a former peat working, is well-stocked with mirror and common carp, including specimens over 40lb. Avalon Fisheries and Landsend Fishery also provide excellent fishing opportunities amidst natural surroundings.

You'll find a variety of trails, particularly around the nature reserves. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail offers a fantastic gravel path suitable for walking and cycling, known for its peaceful atmosphere and starling murmurations at dusk. For more extensive walking options, explore the running trails around Glastonbury, many of which pass through the wetland areas.

Many areas are family-friendly, especially the nature reserves. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, Somerset Levels Wetlands, and Westhay Moor Nature Reserve are all categorized as family-friendly, offering easy paths and opportunities to spot wildlife, making them great for children.

While specific dog-friendly policies vary by reserve, many public footpaths and trails in the Somerset Levels are accessible with dogs, usually requiring them to be on a lead to protect wildlife. Always check local signage at specific reserves like Shapwick Heath or Westhay Moor for their current regulations.

The lakes and wetlands offer unique experiences year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for general outdoor activities and seeing new growth and breeding birds. Autumn brings spectacular starling murmurations, particularly at Shapwick Heath. Winter can be excellent for spotting overwintering bird species and enjoying crisp, quiet walks.

Landsend Fishery is noted for its accessibility, featuring stoned pathways, barked areas, and either stoned swims or platforms, along with facilities suitable for disabled anglers. Many of the main trails within the nature reserves, such as the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, are hard-packed gravel and relatively flat, offering good accessibility.

The Somerset Levels area has several options. You'll find pubs and tea rooms scattered throughout the villages. For example, Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore is a popular stop for cyclists. Glastonbury itself offers a range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options, being a short drive from most of the lakes.

The area is excellent for cycling. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is part of National Cycle Route 3 and offers a good surface for bikes. You can find various routes, including road cycling routes and gravel biking trails, that explore the wetlands and surrounding countryside.

While the current lakes are primarily for recreation and nature, the region has a rich history. The most famous historical 'lake' is the Glastonbury Lake Village, an Iron Age settlement discovered in the late 19th century. It was built on an artificial island within a swampy area and is now an archaeological site with a museum, rather than a body of water for recreational use.

The Somerset Levels, where these lakes are situated, are generally very flat. The terrain is predominantly wetland, with reedbeds, open water, and agricultural land. Trails are typically low-elevation, making for easy and gentle walks or cycles, such as those found at Somerset Levels Wetlands.