Top 5 Lakes around Thrushelton

The lakes around Thrushelton offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy watersports like canoeing, fishing, archery, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking at Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake. For land-based activities, walking, cycling, and birdwatching are popular, especially around Meldon Reservoir and Meldon Quarry Lake. There are also opportunities for extreme sports like bungee jumping at Meldon Quarry.

Yes, there are several walking and hiking opportunities. Meldon Reservoir features a path running its entire length, ideal for family walks, with routes extending up to Yes Tor. At Meldon Quarry Lake, visitors can walk or cycle through the peaceful, industrial landscape. While Roadford Lake doesn't have a full circular trail, its northeastern shore offers a suitable path for running. For more detailed hiking routes in the area, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Thrushelton.

Absolutely. Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Meldon Reservoir is noted for its path along the full length, making it great for family walks. Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake both have activity centers offering a range of watersports and cafes, providing excellent options for an active family day out.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The area around Meldon Quarry Lake is open for cycling. Roadford Lake is also a great spot for a rolling ride with scenic backdrops. You can find various cycling routes, including road cycling and touring options, in guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Thrushelton and Cycling around Thrushelton.

The lakes are set in tranquil natural landscapes. Meldon Reservoir is particularly known for its excellent bird life, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The general area offers picturesque freshwater lakes surrounded by peaceful scenery, contributing to the region's natural appeal.

Wild swimming is generally not permitted in these specific lakes. For instance, Meldon Reservoir explicitly states that it is not a swimming dam and no water activities are allowed. Similarly, swimming is not permitted at Meldon Quarry Lake. Watersports at Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake are typically organized through their activity centers.

Several lakes offer refreshment options. Roadford Lake has a cafe at its activity center serving fresh food and drink. Upper Tamar Lake also features a fantastic cafe providing quality, freshly prepared food and drinks. While Meldon Reservoir is known for its peace and quiet, there are cafes in the broader Okehampton area nearby.

Parking is available at several locations. For Meldon Reservoir, there is parking conveniently located at the dam wall. Information for parking at other specific lakes like Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake would typically be found at their respective activity centers.

Meldon Quarry Lake offers a unique blend of industrial history and natural serenity. Originally a site for limestone and aggregate quarrying dating back to the late 1700s, it has transformed into a peaceful landscape where visitors can walk, cycle, and even engage in extreme sports like bungee jumping. It's a fascinating example of nature reclaiming an industrial site.

Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake both boast large activity centers. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of watersports including canoeing, fishing, archery, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Both lakes have AALA and RYA approved training centers for those looking to learn or improve their skills.

Yes, Meldon Quarry Lake itself is a historical point of interest, showcasing the remains of an old quarrying operation that dates back to the late 1700s, including a redundant railway. While the landscape is now peaceful, its industrial past is evident, offering a unique historical context to your visit.