Best lakes around Dobwalls And Trewidland are situated in southeast Cornwall, offering access to notable bodies of water on the edge of Bodmin Moor. This area features a landscape characterized by moorland, woodlands, and open spaces. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities centered around its lakes and reservoirs.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Siblyback Lake is a reservoir on the edge of Bodmin Moor. The dam blocks a small tributary of the River Fowey.
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Small smuggling town with a nice museum and cottages.
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The dam was built in 1968 to create the reservoir which provides drinking water and tops up the water levels of the River Fowey during the dry months. Once a small tributary of the River Fowey, Siblyback Lake now holds 3 billion litres of water.
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Small, beautiful fishing town with a smuggling past. The cottages and the mill at the entrance to the town are very nice. We were there at low tide and the boats were lying in the mud.
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The dam was built in 1968 to create this reservoir which provides drinking water and tops up the water levels of the River Fowey during the dry months. Once a small tributary of the River Fowey, the lake now holds 3 billion litres of water.
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Enjoy this traffic-free gravel track around Sibleyback Reservoir that's designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. The 3 mile (5 km) trail is also suitable for adaptive cycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs, and takes in both the Sibleyback Dam and idyllic woodlands. Wildlife lovers will be thrilled, as there's often plenty to see on and near the water, as well as a bird hide to hunker down in to watch.
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The lakes in the area offer a variety of activities. At Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail, you can enjoy walking, running, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even cable wakeboarding. Colliford Lake is excellent for moorland walks, fly-fishing, and birdwatching. For a unique experience, Goldiggins Quarry is a popular spot for wild swimming and cliff jumping.
Yes, Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail is particularly family-friendly, offering a 5 km traffic-free gravel track suitable for pushchairs and a children's play area. Siblyback Lake also provides equipment hire and tuition for various water sports. Colliford Lake has picnic areas, and nearby Colliford Lake Park offers adventure playgrounds and soft play.
Yes, the 5 km circular trail around Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail is specifically designed to be accessible for adaptive cycles, wheelchairs, and pushchairs. For Colliford Lake, while there are moorland walks, not all paths are recommended for pushchair or wheelchair access due to varied terrain and nature reserves.
You'll find diverse walking opportunities. The Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail offers an easy 5 km gravel track. Colliford Lake provides extensive moorland walks with three way-marked trails. For more challenging options, you can explore routes like the 'Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake Trail' which is a moderate hike. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Dobwalls And Trewidland guide.
Yes, Goldiggins Quarry is a well-known and popular spot for wild swimming. It features flat stones for easy access and opportunities for cliff jumping for the more adventurous.
The area is characterized by moorland, woodlands, and open spaces. Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail offers idyllic woodlands and a bird hide for wildlife observation. Colliford Lake, as Cornwall's largest inland lake, provides extensive moorland views and is a significant ecological habitat, especially for migratory birds. The Siblyback Dam itself is also a notable man-made feature.
Dogs are generally welcome at Siblyback Lake but must be kept on a lead. For Colliford Lake, it's advisable to keep dogs under control, especially given the presence of wildlife and livestock on the moorland.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports and longer walks. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and winter can be excellent for birdwatching at Colliford Lake, where species like wigeon, goldeneye, golden plover, and lapwing can be spotted. Siblyback Lake is also within an International Dark Sky Landscape, making it great for stargazing on clear nights.
Siblyback Lake has a lakeside cafe, "Olive & Co," offering food and drinks. There is also a campsite with electric and non-electric pitches for those wishing to extend their stay. While Colliford Lake has picnic areas, nearby Colliford Lake Park offers a cafe. The surrounding villages and towns will have further options for accommodation and dining.
Both Siblyback Lake and Colliford Lake offer ample parking facilities. At Colliford Lake, parking is often free in designated areas around the lake.
Visitors appreciate the balance of natural beauty and diverse activities. The accessible trails and water sports at Siblyback Lake are highly rated, while the tranquility, extensive moorland views, and wildlife observation opportunities at Colliford Lake are also very popular. The unique wild swimming experience at Goldiggins Quarry is also a highlight for many.
Yes, both Siblyback Lake and Colliford Lake are known for fishing. Siblyback Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and has a resident population of brown trout. Colliford Lake is considered Cornwall's premier brown trout fishery, offering traditional fly-fishing.


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