The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Roadford Lake
4.5
(6)
63
hikers
7
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Roadford Lake are set within the picturesque Wolf Valley, characterized by the large man-made reservoir, extensive woodlands, and unique Culm Grasslands. This area, recognized as a Local Nature Reserve, offers a diverse landscape of peaceful water, forest, and open pastures. The terrain features gentle gradients, making it accessible for various fitness levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Roadford Lake
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Roadford Reservoir – Upper Tamar Lake Café loop from Lakeside Cafe, a 2.5 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 4 minutes to complete. This easy route offers lakeside paths and views of the reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Roadford Lake loop from Germansweek, an easy 2.6 miles (4.1 km) path. This route provides a pleasant walk through woodlands and along the lake's edge.
- Local hikers also love the Roadford Lake loop from Germansweek, a 4.9 miles (8.0 km) trail leading through varied terrain including woodlands and open areas, often completed in about 2 hours 11 minutes.
- Hiking around Roadford Lake is defined by tranquil lakeside paths, quiet woodlands, and open pastures. The network offers options for different ability levels, including accessible routes and longer loops suitable for families.
- The routes in Roadford Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 3 reviews. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Roadford Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.0
(1)
25
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
8
hikers
7.96km
02:11
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
4.14km
01:08
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
11
hikers
19.0km
05:08
260m
260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
19.5km
05:28
390m
390m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful section of route 27 Granite Way where the trail opens up as you pass across the Meldon Viaduct. Views across show the undulating hills of the highest area within Dartmoor National park where High Willhays and Yes Tor are situated.
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Meldon Reservoir was constructed in the 1970s to supply water to the surrounding area. The car park by the dam offers good access to the high tors of north Dartmoor. Run across the dam and up onto the moor or along the enjoyable lakeside trail.
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Whimsical, unique and worth seeing: a pub that can hardly be described in words. Anyone driving south from Oakhampten should stop here. Open Wed-Sat 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm, Thurs 10pm-3pm.
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Roadford Lake is a reservoir fed by the river Wolf. It's the largest area of water in the south-west and is used to supply drinking water for north and South Devon. As a runner there isn't a trail that allows you to circumnavigate the lake, but you can run along the northeastern shore.
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Excellent pizza and undercover, outdoor seating at the Castle Inn! No issues taking our bikes into the garden.
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phone to check opening hours, one of the most fabulously bonkers pubs you will ever visit. Just wonderful.
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Roadford Lake is set just outside Dartmoor National Park so is the perfect place for a rolling ride with a backdrop of dramatic tors and hills. You can tur your hand at plenty of watersports here including sailing, kayaking, fishing and paddleboarding. For further details please see the website https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/pages/site/activities/category/roadford-lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Roadford Lake?
There are 7 family-friendly hiking trails detailed in this guide for Roadford Lake, offering a range of distances and experiences suitable for all ages. You'll find options from easy strolls to more adventurous loops.
Are there easy walks suitable for families with young children or prams?
Yes, Roadford Lake offers several accessible options. There's a 30-minute brisk, wheelchair-accessible route starting from the Lakeside Café that leads to the beautiful sundial. The Coombepark Walk is another accessible choice, covering 2.5 miles (4km). For those needing extra assistance, an all-terrain mobility scooter, 'The Tramper', can be hired to explore the lakeside and woodlands.
Can we bring our dog on the trails around Roadford Lake?
Roadford Lake is very dog-friendly! Many trails welcome dogs, and there's even an enclosed dog exercise area located in the main car park. You'll also find dog-friendly campsites if you plan to stay longer.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many of the trails around Roadford Lake are designed as circular routes, perfect for family outings. For example, the Roadford Reservoir – Upper Tamar Lake Café loop is an easy, family-friendly option. The Coombepark Loop is also a great 1-mile (1.5km) easy walk that can be linked with other paths to extend your adventure.
What kind of scenery and natural features can we expect to see on these hikes?
The trails around Roadford Lake offer a diverse landscape, including peaceful lakeside paths, quiet woodlands, and open pastures. You might spot unique Culm Grasslands, old orchards, and a variety of wildlife such as birds of prey, badgers, and deer. Keep an eye out for the iconic Jubilee Sundial and a bird hide at Gaddacombe for wildlife watching.
Are there any facilities like cafes or playgrounds near the trails?
Yes, the Lakeside Café provides locally sourced food with scenic views, perfect for a break before or after your hike. There's also an interactive visitor centre and a play area, making it a great destination for families with children.
What is the best time of year to visit Roadford Lake for family hikes?
Roadford Lake is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with lush greenery and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Where can we park when visiting Roadford Lake for a hike?
Roadford Lake has ample parking available, typically located near the main facilities like the Lakeside Café and visitor centre. Parking areas are well-signposted upon arrival.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly routes for older children?
For families seeking a bit more adventure, routes like the Roadford Lake loop from Germansweek offer a moderate challenge with a distance of nearly 8 km. The Higher Combe Forest loop is another popular 2.5-mile (4.1 km) trail that takes approximately an hour, providing a good balance of distance and varied terrain.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails at Roadford Lake?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful lakeside paths, the variety of woodland and open scenery, and the well-maintained trails that make it enjoyable for families with children of all ages.
Can we combine a hike with other activities at Roadford Lake?
Absolutely! Beyond hiking, Roadford Lake offers a range of other outdoor activities. You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, or even brown trout fishing. These options make it easy to extend your family day out with more fun on the water.
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