Top 10 Lakes around Sheepstor

The area around Sheepstor's lakes offers diverse natural beauty. You'll find tranquil waters, impressive tors like Sharpitor and Leather Tor offering waterside views, and deep, clear pools. For example, Waterfall near Burrator Reservoir is fed by an artificial watercourse, and Avon Dam Reservoir provides stunning panoramas.

Yes, Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) is known as a brilliant spot for swimming. Its deep, clear water is ideal for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

The lakes are rich in history. Redlake Pool was a china clay extraction site from 1912 to 1933, with remnants of its industrial past like the 'Puffing Billy' track. Burrator Reservoir has a significant 47-meter high granite dam, and you can still see the original tower base of a suspension bridge from its enlargement. Additionally, Crazywell Pool is steeped in local legend, rumored to be bottomless.

Absolutely. The Burrator Discovery Centre offers exhibitions about the reservoir's history, wildlife, and culture, including a children's discovery zone. The area around Burrator Reservoir is also popular for easy walks suitable for families. Avon Dam Reservoir is another family-friendly spot with beautiful views.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and road cycling. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Burrator Reservoir loop' or 'Sheeps Tor – Burrator Dam and Reservoir loop' which are part of the Easy hikes around Sheepstor guide. Cyclists can find routes such as the 'Burrator Reservoir loop' in the Cycling around Sheepstor guide, or more challenging options in the Road Cycling Routes around Sheepstor guide.

Yes, Burrator Reservoir is a popular spot for walkers. You can find easy routes like the 'Burrator Reservoir loop' or the 'Sheeps Tor – Burrator Dam and Reservoir loop from Sheepstor'. These are detailed in the Easy hikes around Sheepstor guide, offering pleasant walks with waterside views.

The lakes around Sheepstor can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Warmer months are ideal for activities like swimming at Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side), while the cooler months provide crisp air for hiking and dramatic landscapes. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

The Burrator Discovery Centre is an excellent resource. It features exhibitions and displays about Burrator’s history, wildlife, and culture, including spoken history and an interactive screen. You can also explore its conservation garden.

While many routes are accessible, the Dartmoor landscape surrounding the lakes offers opportunities for more challenging hikes. For example, the ascent to Avon Dam Reservoir from the south can be quite steep in its final section. The area's tors also provide more strenuous climbs and impressive views.

Redlake Pool is historically significant as a former china clay extraction site, operational from 1912 to 1933. Clay was transported via ceramic pipes, and the track leading to it, known as the 'Puffing Billy', was a narrow-gauge railway for workers. Ruins of a hostel where workers stayed can still be found nearby.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Cycling around Sheepstor guide includes routes like the 'Burrator Reservoir loop', which is an easy ride. For road cyclists, there are moderate to difficult routes such as 'Burrator Reservoir and Dam – Fox Tor Café loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Sheepstor guide.

Excellent photo opportunities abound. The tors surrounding Burrator Reservoir, such as Sharpitor, Leather Tor, and Sheepstor itself, offer wonderful waterside views. Avon Dam Reservoir also provides a beautiful panorama, and Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) is known as a sunset spot with amber light silhouetting tors like Great Staple and Roos Tor.