Top 12 Lakes around Shaugh Prior
Best lakes around Shaugh Prior are found in a village situated on the southwestern edge of Dartmoor in Devon, England. This area provides access to several notable lakes and water bodies. Visitors can explore locations known for their natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. The region offers a range of experiences, from wild swimming spots to reservoirs with scenic trails.
Best lakes around Shaugh Prior
- The most popular lakes is Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side), a lake that offers deep, cold, and clear water ideal for swimming. This area is also popular with climbers on the surrounding rocks.
- Another must-see spot is Crazywell Pool, a natural lake. This deep hidden pool is considered one of the finest places for a wild swim on Dartmoor.
- Visitors also love Redlake Pool, a natural monument and lake. This site holds historical significance as a former china clay extraction point between 1912 and 1933, with ruins of a hostel nearby.
- Shaugh Prior is known for quarry lakes, natural pools, and reservoirs. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct characteristics and activities.
- The lakes around Shaugh Prior are appreciated by the komoot community, with 143 upvotes and 98 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side)
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Burrator Reservoir and Dam
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Redlake Pool
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Burrator Discovery Centre
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The centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily, except for Saturdays and alternate Thursdays. You can also buy permits for fishing at Burrator Reservoir, which is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. The reservoir is surrounded by woodlands, wetlands and moorlands, and offers ample walks and views.
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Plymouth Hoe
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Tips from the Community
The path along the water is a bit challenging. You have to climb at this point....
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Nice ride out to Redlake, but then using a map, gps and standing on top of the hill, unable to find the track to Avon dam. Really disappointing.
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Great place for a camp and swim - see the Dartmoor Camping Code: https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping/backpack-camping-code
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The Hoe is a large limestone plateau on the edge of which is the citadel. In the park on the Hoe there is a large collection of impressive monuments to the great seafaring nation, including the first circumnavigator Francis Drake, the victory over the Spanish Armada and the two World Wars. Built in front of the sea is the Tinside seawater outdoor pool in Art Deco style, which is definitely worth looking for, and the huge, freely accessible sea bathing area right next to it with a bit of Lost Place charm.
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Burrator Discovery Centre is a visitor centre located near Burrator Reservoir, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It opened in 2014 as part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment project. The centre offers exhibitions and displays about Burrator’s history, wildlife and culture. You can see spoken history, an interactive screen and a children’s discovery zone. You can also explore the conservation garden, which features a totem pole and a range of plants found on Dartmoor. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily, except for Saturdays and alternate Thursdays. You can also buy permits for fishing at Burrator Reservoir, which is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. The reservoir is surrounded by woodlands, wetlands and moorlands, and offers ample walks and views.
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This is a tranquil little place, excellent for a walk, run or cycle. Beautiful scenery with lots of viewing points. Surrounded by woodland, it's often more sheltered here than on the high moor. A road runs round the reservoir, so if you are walking, be aware of traffic.
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Burrator Dam was built in 1898. According to information boards in the nearby Burrator Discovery Centre, the dam is 23.4m/77ft high and 114m/375ft wide and is built from granite and concrete.
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Burrator Reservoir is situated within Dartmoor, and the tranquil water and surrounding mixed woodland contrasts sharply with the open moor and the rugged Dartmoor tors. A trip here can be combined with a walk across the moors, or enjoyed as a trip of its own with plenty to do – from walking and taking in the views, to fishing for rainbow and brown trout (just be sure to get a permit, available online or by calling South West Lakes). Devon has relatively few lakes, but the situation and quality of these make them a hidden gem in Devon’s crown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Shaugh Prior are best for wild swimming?
For a refreshing dip, Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) offers deep, clear water, popular on warm days. Crazywell Pool is another deep, hidden gem considered one of Dartmoor's finest wild swimming spots. The River Plym in the Dewerstone Valley is also a popular area for wild swimming.
Are there any lakes with historical significance near Shaugh Prior?
Yes, Redlake Pool is a site of historical importance. It was a china clay extraction point between 1912 and 1933, and you can still see the ruins of a hostel where workers stayed nearby. The track leading to it, known as the 'Puffing Billy', was once a narrow-gauge railway.
What lakes offer scenic views or panoramas?
Avon Dam Reservoir is admired for its beautiful panorama and the scenic lake it creates behind the dam. The area around Foggintor Quarry Lake also offers impressive views, especially at sunset.
Are there family-friendly lakes or water features to visit?
Burrator Reservoir, located near Yelverton, is suitable for all ages and offers waterside trails perfect for family outings. While not strictly a lake, Yelverton Garden House, just north of Shaugh Prior, features a beautiful lake, picturesque bridges, and small waterfalls within its 10 acres of gardens, providing a serene environment for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Shaugh Prior?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including the 'Plym Valley Trail' for touring bicycles, or challenging gravel biking routes like 'South Hessary Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop'. There are also running trails such as the 'Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint – River Plym loop'. For more details, explore the cycling, gravel biking, and running guides for Shaugh Prior.
Are there any challenging hikes or trails around the lakes?
Yes, Dartmoor offers challenging terrain. For instance, the track leading to Redlake Pool can be quite out of the way, offering a bleak but rewarding Dartmoor landscape. Some gravel biking routes, like the 'South Hessary Tor – Two Bridges Stone Bridge loop', are also rated as difficult, indicating challenging terrain for hikers as well.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Shaugh Prior?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. For wild swimming, warmer months are ideal. However, the Dartmoor landscape, especially around sites like Redlake Pool, offers a unique 'bleakness' that can be appreciated in cooler, quieter seasons. Summer evenings are particularly good for watching sunsets over quarries like Foggintor.
Are there options for dog-friendly walks near the lakes?
Many trails around Dartmoor are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your canine companion. Burrator Reservoir, for example, offers waterside trails suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock.
Where can I find parking when visiting the lakes?
Parking availability varies by location. For popular spots like Foggintor Quarry Lake, it can be busy, especially during warmer months and weekends. For Avon Dam Reservoir, there's a gentle climb along a smooth tarmac service road from Shipley Bridge, where parking is typically available. Burrator Reservoir also has designated parking areas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the deep, clear waters for swimming at spots like Foggintor Quarry Lake, and the unique wild swimming experience at Crazywell Pool. The historical significance of sites like Redlake Pool and the beautiful panoramas from Avon Dam Reservoir are also highly appreciated. The overall natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities are key attractions.
Are there any accessible paths around the lakes for wheelchairs or strollers?
Burrator Reservoir is known for offering waterside trails suitable for all ages, which often implies some level of accessibility. While specific wheelchair-accessible paths are not universally available, the smooth tarmac service road leading to Avon Dam Reservoir could be suitable for some users.
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