Top 7 Lakes around South Brent

For scenic walks and natural beauty, consider Avon Dam Reservoir, which offers a pleasant walk along a tarmac road from Shipley Bridge. Venford Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful woodland and moors, providing a tranquil setting. Burrator Reservoir also features a popular 4.5-mile circular route and diverse flora and fauna.

Yes, Avon Dam Reservoir is considered family-friendly, with a gentle climb along a smooth tarmac service road suitable for various ages. Burrator Reservoir also offers a variety of walking and cycling trails suitable for all ages and abilities, including a flat circular route.

Many areas around the reservoirs near South Brent are dog-friendly for walks, but always keep dogs under control, especially due to grazing livestock. For water access, the River Avon near Avon Dam Reservoir is generally suitable for dogs. At Burrator Reservoir, dogs are welcome on leads, and there are streams and quieter spots where they might enjoy a dip, though direct reservoir swimming for dogs is often restricted.

Wild swimming is possible at certain spots. Crazywell Pool is noted as one of the finest places for a wild swim on Dartmoor. Venford Reservoir also has winding rivers where swimming is possible. For a unique experience, Left Lake, with its peaty bottom, warms up well for a quick dip on a sunny day.

The lakes and reservoirs near South Brent are rich in wildlife. At Avon Dam Reservoir, you might spot cattle, sheep, Dartmoor ponies, and hear the resident cuckoo. Burrator Reservoir is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including kingfishers, herons, ospreys, deer, and foxes. Kennick Reservoir is known for various birdlife, including egrets, and its spring bluebells and rhododendrons.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Burrator Reservoir is a popular destination for fly fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout (brown trout are catch and release only). Kennick Reservoir is renowned as a premier rainbow trout fishery, with fishing tickets and boat hire available. Permits are typically required for fishing.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling, especially around Burrator Reservoir which offers various cycling trails. For more adventurous cycling, explore the gravel biking routes around South Brent, which include trails near Avon Dam Reservoir. There are also road cycling routes and running trails in the wider area.

Accessibility varies by location. The route from Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam Reservoir is on a tarmac road, making parts of it accessible, though some sections may have potholes. Burrator Reservoir offers a flat, circular route that is popular for leisurely strolls and is generally considered accessible for many. Always check specific trail conditions if you have particular accessibility needs.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors. In spring, Kennick Reservoir is particularly picturesque with bluebells and rhododendrons. Autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter walks can be peaceful, but conditions on Dartmoor can be challenging, so be prepared for colder weather and potential mud.

Burrator Reservoir has a rich history, with remnants of ancient farms and stone dwellings sometimes visible during low water levels. The Burrator Discovery Centre provides educational exhibits about the area's past. Near Redlake Pool, you can find ruins of a hostel where workers stayed when china clay was extracted, and signs of peat digging from historical tramways.

For Avon Dam Reservoir, visitors can park at the Shipley Bridge car park. Burrator Reservoir offers various parking locations around its perimeter. Kennick Reservoir has parking available at its southern and north-western ends, though access involves navigating narrow lanes. For Venford Reservoir, parking is available, but spaces can be limited, especially in summer.

While the reservoirs themselves are often in more remote Dartmoor settings, South Brent village, being a gateway, offers cafes and pubs. It's advisable to check local listings for specific establishments in South Brent or nearby villages before your visit, as options directly at the lake shores are limited.