Top 4 Lakes around Brendon And Countisbury

For a wide range of watersports and active recreation, Wimbleball Lake is an excellent choice. It offers windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and rowing, with an Outdoor + Active Centre for equipment hire. The lake also features extensive walking and cycling trails, and is a popular spot for fishing.

Both Wistlandpound Reservoir and Clatworthy Reservoir offer tranquil settings ideal for birdwatching and nature walks. Wistlandpound is known for its peaceful atmosphere and a 2.6km accessible path around the lake, while Clatworthy provides diverse habitats supporting various bird species and wildlife like red deer and badgers, along with a 5-mile perimeter walk.

Yes, there are a couple of notable wild swimming spots. Pinkery Pond is a beautiful freshwater swimming spot located high on Exmoor, accessible from the Tarka Trail. Another great option is Crook Pool, a river feature with interesting pools and an island, set in the forested banks of the East Lyn River.

The area offers a variety of walking trails. Wimbleball Lake has extensive walking and cycling trails. Wistlandpound Reservoir features both easy strolls and more challenging routes, including a 2.6km accessible path. Clatworthy Reservoir offers a short nature trail and a more adventurous 5-mile (8 km) perimeter walk. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the 'Watersmeet House Tearoom – Crook Pool loop' from Countisbury, which is part of the Easy hikes around Brendon And Countisbury guide.

Absolutely. Crook Pool is loved by kids for its interesting pools and island. The path around Wistlandpound Reservoir is accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it ideal for families. Many of the walking trails around the reservoirs are suitable for families looking for gentle recreation.

Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout at Wimbleball Lake. Wistlandpound Reservoir is also a popular spot for trout fishing. Additionally, Clatworthy Reservoir is known for its angling opportunities, particularly for rainbow and brown trout, with several 'hot spots' for fishermen.

For a more secluded experience, Nutscale Reservoir is nestled in a serene valley and often goes unnoticed by passing hikers, offering good views of the water within the countryside. Pinkery Pond, high on Exmoor, also provides a tranquil and somewhat hidden freshwater swimming spot.

Yes, the region offers gravel biking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Watersmeet Trail – Badgworthy Wood Trail loop from Malmsmead' which is a moderate gravel biking route. Explore more options in the Gravel biking around Brendon And Countisbury guide.

Beyond the lakes themselves, you can observe diverse habitats. Clatworthy Reservoir is surrounded by acid grassland, broadleaf woodlands, and marshy areas, supporting various bird species and wildlife. The East Lyn River, which flows through the Brendon Valley, is known for its rapid flow and deep wooded combes, offering opportunities to see salmon heading upstream and diverse birdlife.

Yes, Wimbleball Lake is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, making it an excellent spot for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution and clear night skies.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the vibrant activity hub at Wimbleball Lake to the tranquil settings of Wistlandpound and Clatworthy Reservoirs. The opportunity for wild swimming at spots like Pinkery Pond and Crook Pool is also highly valued, as are the scenic walks and chances for wildlife observation.

Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like the 'Crook Pool – Watersmeet House Tearoom loop from Brendon and Countisbury' which is a moderate running trail. More options are available in the Running Trails around Brendon And Countisbury guide.