Top 5 Lakes around Withypool and Hawkridge
Best lakes around Withypool and Hawkridge are nestled within Exmoor National Park, providing access to several notable bodies of water. This region is characterized by its diverse natural landscape, featuring large reservoirs, serene ponds, and artificial swimming spots. The area offers opportunities for various outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and watersports. Its unique geographic features make it a destination for natural exploration.
Best lakes around Withypool and Hawkridge
- The most popular lakes is Pinkery Pond, an artificial freshwater swimming…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Pinkery Pond
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Nutscale Reservoir
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Wimbleball Dam
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View of Wimbleball Lake from Bessom Bridge
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Eastern Shore Trail, Exmoor National Park
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Popular around Withypool and Hawkridge
Exmoor National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Two Moors Way — Wild coast-to-coast over Dartmoor and Exmoor
Devon & Somerset’s coast to coast — The West Country Way
Enchanting valleys and dramatic coastline — Exmoor National Park
Hiking around Withypool and Hawkridge
MTB Trails around Withypool and Hawkridge
Road Cycling Routes around Withypool and Hawkridge
Cycling around Withypool and Hawkridge
Running Trails around Withypool and Hawkridge
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Tips from the Community
There is a great trail all around the lake, but the eastern shore is so much quieter and the trails are rougher and more fun to run. The eastern shore is also quite inaccessible, other than while looping the whole lake which makes it feel like an adventure!
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Moderate trail for everyone to explore and enjoy
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A beautiful and tranquil lake, high on Exmoor. It's around a mile's walk from the YHA layby on the B3358, but well worth it. The pond is a great spot for wild swimming, amongst the lillies in the beautiful deep red peat-infused water.
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Nutscale Reservoir is a reservoir located in Exmoor in the northwest Somerset, England. It supplies the town of Minehead and nearby Porlock and Porlock Weir. The reservoir is part of the River Horner catchment area and is dammed.
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Bessom Bridge gives spectacular views on both sides up and down the lake.
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If you pay attention, from this point on the path, you'll have good views of Nutscale Reservoir surrounded by beautiful countryside and hills. This reservoir, with water from the River Horner, used to supply Minehead, Porlock, and Porlock Weir, but now it serves just a few properties. It was constructed in 1942.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes to visit around Withypool and Hawkridge?
The primary lakes in the vicinity, all located within Exmoor National Park, are Wimbleball Lake, Nutscale Reservoir, and Pinkery Pond. Each offers a unique experience, from active watersports to tranquil contemplation.
What activities can I do at Wimbleball Lake?
Wimbleball Lake is a hub for various activities. You can enjoy watersports like kayaking, eFoiling, paddleboarding, and sailing. On land, there are opportunities for high ropes, archery, walking, and cycling along its extensive trails. Camping and excellent trout fishing are also available. It's also a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, perfect for stargazing.
Is Nutscale Reservoir suitable for watersports or fishing?
Nutscale Reservoir is a serene and secluded spot, not typically used for watersports. It holds private fishing rights managed by the National Trust, offering a peaceful retreat for quiet contemplation amidst picturesque scenery rather than active recreation.
Can I go wild swimming near Withypool and Hawkridge?
Yes, Pinkery Pond is a beautiful artificial freshwater swimming spot on Exmoor, known for its reddish, peat-infused water, making it a great location for wild swimming.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes?
Absolutely. Wimbleball Lake is particularly appealing for families, offering a wide array of activities including watersports, high ropes, archery, walking, and cycling. The Wimbleball Dam and View of Wimbleball Lake from Bessom Bridge are also considered family-friendly spots with scenic views.
What natural features can I observe around these lakes?
The lakes are set within Exmoor National Park, offering diverse natural beauty. Pinkery Pond is notable for its peat-infused water and diverse dragonfly and damselfly populations. Nutscale Reservoir is nestled in a deep valley, providing tranquil countryside views. Wimbleball Lake offers vast open water and surrounding trails.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Withypool and Hawkridge?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. For instance, the Eastern Shore Trail at Wimbleball Lake offers a challenging and adventurous experience. You can find more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Withypool and Hawkridge guide.
What cycling opportunities are there near the lakes?
Wimbleball Lake has extensive trails suitable for cycling. Additionally, you can explore gravel biking routes around the wider region. For more options, check out the Gravel biking around Withypool and Hawkridge guide.
What is unique about Wimbleball Dam?
The Wimbleball Dam is an impressive structure, over 40 meters tall, constructed between 1974 and 1979. Walking across it provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape and the lake itself.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the lakes?
The View of Wimbleball Lake from Bessom Bridge offers spectacular views of Wimbleball Lake on both sides. The Wimbleball Dam also provides panoramic vistas. For Nutscale Reservoir, specific spots along the valley path offer good views of the water nestled into the countryside.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for wildlife spotting?
For observing dragonflies and damselflies, particularly at Pinkery Pond, the warmer months are ideal. Generally, spring and summer offer the best chances to see various wildlife around the Exmoor National Park lakes.
Are there any historical aspects to the lakes?
Yes, Nutscale Reservoir was built in 1942 to supply fresh water to nearby towns, and Pinkery Pond is an artificial pond constructed around 1830. The Wimbleball Dam itself is a significant engineering feat from the 1970s.
Where can I find more information about Wimbleball Lake?
For more details on activities and facilities at Wimbleball Lake, you can visit the official Exmoor attractions page: visit-exmoor.co.uk.
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