Top 6 Lakes around St. Tudy

While St. Tudy itself doesn't host large lakes, the surrounding Cornwall region offers several notable options. Popular choices include Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor, known for watersports and family activities, and Tamar Lakes (Upper and Lower) on the Cornwall and Devon border, offering diverse recreation and nature observation. Stithians Reservoir is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, excellent for watersports, while Crowdy Reservoir is a nature reserve popular with birdwatchers. For dedicated anglers, Waterside Fisheries Cornwall provides well-stocked fishing lakes.

Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Siblyback Lake features a children's play area, a café, and a 5km circular trail suitable for pushchairs. Tamar Lakes also have accessible paths for wheelchairs and pushchairs, a café, and equipment hire for various watersports. Stithians Reservoir provides a children's play area, a café with lake views, and an activity center for watersports lessons. The Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake also offers swimming, fishing, and rowing boats.

You'll find a wide range of watersports. Siblyback Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and trout fishing. Tamar Lakes are popular for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Stithians Reservoir is excellent for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and trout fishing, with an activity center for equipment hire and lessons. Port Quin Cove, though a beach, is also an ideal spot for paddleboarding.

Yes, both Siblyback Lake and Tamar Lakes offer accessible options. Siblyback Lake has a 5km circular trail that is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The Upper Tamar Lake features a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) circular path designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it suitable for all abilities.

Many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Siblyback Lake has a 5km circular trail. Tamar Lakes feature a 2.8-mile circular path around the Upper Lake and walks around the Lower Lake nature reserve. Stithians Reservoir boasts a 5-mile circular route through diverse landscapes. Crowdy Reservoir offers walks, particularly appealing for birdwatchers. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the 'King Arthur's Hall loop from St Breward' or 'River Camel & Lank loop from St Breward' which are part of the Hiking around St. Tudy guide. The View of Stannon Lake also offers nice walks.

Absolutely. Siblyback Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has a resident brown trout population. Tamar Lakes are renowned for coarse fishing, especially the Upper Tamar Lake. Stithians Reservoir also offers trout fishing. Crowdy Reservoir is open for trout fishing. For a dedicated fishing experience, Waterside Fisheries Cornwall provides three well-stocked lakes with various species including Roach, Bream, Carp, Tench, and Crucian Carp.

Yes, Crowdy Reservoir is particularly appealing to birdwatchers, being a nature reserve with bird hides and diverse wildlife, including starling murmurations and various waders. The Lower Tamar Lake is also designated as a nature reserve, popular with wildfowl and offering a bird hide for observations.

Many of the lakes in the region are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific site rules regarding leash requirements, especially in nature reserve areas or during nesting seasons. Generally, trails around Siblyback Lake, Tamar Lakes, and Stithians Reservoir are popular with dog walkers. Please ensure dogs are kept under control and any waste is properly disposed of.

Several lakes offer convenient facilities. Siblyback Lake has a café and a campsite. Tamar Lakes also feature an on-site café and camping facilities. Stithians Reservoir provides a café with lake views and a campsite. The Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake includes a campsite and the Gastropod café.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer warmer weather ideal for watersports and longer walks. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, especially at Siblyback Lake, which is part of an International Dark Sky Landscape, making it excellent for stargazing on clear nights.

Yes, the wider area around St. Tudy offers various trails. For mountain biking, you can explore routes like 'Lanhydrock & Cardinham Woods loops' or the 'Camel Trail', detailed in the MTB Trails around St. Tudy guide. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as the 'Camel Trail Stretch – Scenic Route loop from Tresarrett' or 'Little Shell Wood – Heligan Wood loop from Bodrigan' in the Running Trails around St. Tudy guide.

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or recreational, the region is rich in history. Nearby, you can visit Port Isaac, a quaint fishing village famous for its historical significance and as a filming location. The Carbilly Tor and Quarry Ruins also offer a glimpse into the area's industrial past alongside small lakes.