Top 6 Lakes around Buckland In The Moor

The lakes are set within Dartmoor National Park, offering expansive moorland, woodlands, and winding rivers. You can find unique geological formations like the 'volcano-shaped' spoil heap near Redlake Pool, and beautiful water lilies at Haytor Quarry Pond.

Yes, the area has a rich industrial past. Redlake Pool is a former china clay working site with ruins of a hostel and evidence of historical peat digging. Haytor Quarry Pond is part of a former granite quarry, with remnants of the granite tramway that transported materials.

Avon Dam Reservoir and Venford Reservoir are both considered family-friendly. The Avon Dam offers a gentle climb along a smooth tarmac service road to the reservoir, while Venford Reservoir provides opportunities for exploration amidst woodlands and moors.

Wild swimming is possible in some areas. Venford Reservoir is a popular spot for swimming, and the lakes around Red Lake and Spoil Heap are described as inviting on a warm day for responsible wild camping and swimming.

The Dartmoor National Park is home to diverse wildlife. Around Venford Reservoir and Avon Dam Reservoir, you can often see sheep, cattle, and wild Dartmoor ponies grazing.

Yes, the area offers numerous trails. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Top Tor – Pil Tor loop' or 'Welstor Rock loop'. For more challenging options, consider routes around Hound Tor or Hamel Down. You can find more details on these and other trails in the Easy hikes around Buckland In The Moor guide.

Parking is generally available at locations like Venford Reservoir, though spaces can be scarce during peak summer months. For Avon Dam Reservoir, a road leads to the base of the dam where parking is accessible.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but summer offers pleasant conditions for wild swimming and exploring. Spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, while winter can offer a stark, wild beauty, though trails may be more challenging.

Dartmoor National Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock (sheep, cattle, ponies) and ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code and local signage regarding dog access.

Yes, for example, there is a flat loop around Venford Reservoir. Many other circular routes can be found connecting various points of interest and lakes within the wider Dartmoor area.

Beyond lake visits, the region offers extensive outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Hound Tor and Hamel Down loop', or explore gravel biking routes like the 'Bellever Forest loop'. Check out the Running Trails around Buckland In The Moor and Gravel biking around Buckland In The Moor guides for more options.

Buckland In The Moor and nearby villages like Widecombe-in-the-Moor offer pubs, cafes, and accommodation options. These can be good starting or ending points for walks around the lakes.