Top 9 Lakes around Budock
Best lakes around Budock are found in Cornwall, England, an area characterized by its diverse inland water bodies. The region features a mix of man-made reservoirs, flooded quarries, and natural brackish lakes. These sites offer opportunities for watersports, fishing, birdwatching, and walking. The landscape combines rural countryside, historic mining areas, and coastal environments.
Best lakes around Budock
- The most popular lakes is Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve that is a sandy cove on the…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
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Portscatho Harbour
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Stithians Reservoir Dam
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Bridge over Stithians Reservoir
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Falmouth to St Mawes Ferry
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Tips from the Community
With loaded bikes you have to forget about it because there is a long staircase in Falmouth to get down to the ferry! What a shame!
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Worth climb to the cairn for the downhill section on the main access road. Then drop into single track round the back lanes of Carharrack. Sweet! :)
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Take a deep breath and escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.
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Great view from the dam across the reservoir towards Carn Menellis
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In Gerrans Bay sits the fishing village of Portscatho. As its east facing, it's a sheltered spot, perfect for a post run swim.
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The Falmouth to St Mawes Ferry runs all year, connecting the two towns. This is a very scenic ferry ride, where you will be able to see both St Mawes and Pendennis castle. The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. During summer, the ferry runs up to 3 times an hour and in the winter it runs once an hour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Budock?
Yes, several lakes near Budock are great for families. Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve offers a sandy beach, crazy golf, and a flat, mile-long walk around the nature reserve. Argal Reservoir also features a children's play area and picnic tables, along with a circular walk.
What watersports can I do at the lakes near Budock?
Stithians Reservoir is a major hub for watersports, offering stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing, with equipment hire and instruction available. Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve also provides opportunities for dinghy sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and coasteering.
Where can I go wild swimming near Budock?
Hick's Quarry Pool, located on Carn Marth, is a known spot for wild swimming in a unique flooded former granite quarry setting.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes near Budock?
Yes, many lakes offer easy walks. Swanpool Nature Reserve has a flat, approximately one-mile walk. Argal Reservoir features a circular walk through woods and meadows, and College Reservoir has a 1km footpath through deciduous woodland. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Budock.
Which lakes are best for wildlife spotting near Budock?
Swanpool Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its brackish water, supporting over 100 species of birds and the rare Trembling Sea Mat. Stithians Reservoir is popular for birdwatching with three hides, and College Reservoir is excellent for observing wildfowl, especially in winter.
Are there good fishing spots at the lakes near Budock?
Argal Reservoir is renowned as one of the leading coarse fisheries in the South West, stocked with carp, pike, bream, perch, roach, and rudd, and offers a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform. Stithians Reservoir is also popular for trout fishing.
Which lakes offer historical insights or panoramic views?
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool is notable for its rich mining history and provides extensive views over the rural Cornish countryside, Carrick Roads, and the English Channel. Stithians Reservoir, a man-made reservoir completed in 1967, also offers views from its dam.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?
Yes, Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve has a cafe. Stithians Reservoir features a cafe with views of the water. Argal Reservoir also provides a cafe, public lavatories, and picnic tables.
Are the lake walks near Budock dog-friendly?
Many of the walking routes around the lakes, such as those at Stithians Reservoir and the circular walks connecting Argal and College Reservoirs, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife areas or livestock, and to check specific reserve rules.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Budock?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and longer walks, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Winter is particularly good for birdwatching at College Reservoir and Stithians Reservoir when various wildfowl species can be observed.
Can I reach the lakes near Budock by public transport?
While some lakes are more accessible by car, local bus services may connect to villages near the reservoirs. For example, College Reservoir is linked to the village of Mabe. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for specific routes to your chosen lake.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Budock?
Yes, there are several cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Stithians Reservoir – Bridge over Stithians Reservoir loop' or the 'Swanpool Nature Reserve – Maenporth Beach loop'. For more details, explore road cycling routes around Budock or general cycling routes around Budock.
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