Top 4 Lakes around Okehampton
Best lakes around Okehampton are situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, offering diverse aquatic environments. The region features a mix of natural and man-made lakes, providing opportunities for various outdoor activities. These bodies of water contribute to the area's natural landscape, attracting visitors seeking tranquil spots and active pursuits. The terrain around Okehampton's lakes ranges from gentle paths to more rugged moorland trails.
Best lakes around Okehampton
- The most popular lakes is Meldon Reservoir, a lake that offers peace and quiet with excellent birdlife. A path runs the full length of the reservoir, making it suitable for family walks.
- Another must-see spot is Dartmoor National Park, a lake (as categorized by komoot) featuring meandering river valleys, expansive moorland, and ancient history. Wild ponies roam free across its vast moorlands and granite hilltops.
- Visitors also love Meldon Quarry Lake, a lake that has transformed from an active industrial site into a peaceful landscape. It is popular for walking, cycling, and some extreme sports.
- Okehampton is known for its reservoirs, quarry lakes, and wild swimming spots. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The lakes around Okehampton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 44 upvotes and 29 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Meldon Quarry Lake
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Meldon Reservoir
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This is not a swimming dam and not water activities are allowed on it. You can purchase fishing permits and fish here if you so desire.
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Dartmoor National Park
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Cullever Pool
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Tips from the Community
doesn't seem likely that this is so close when you are crossing the bridge. it's a little downstream of the bridge.
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Today the old Meldon Quarry plays host to many visitors, some come to walk or cycle, others to swim, a few come for some extreme sports such a bungee jumping whilst others visit the remains of the redundant railway. For whatever reason what they see today is normally a peaceful landscape, albeit an industrial one, however not that long ago it would have been a hive of activity. It’s believed that the first quarrying began around the late 1700s when the local limestone was extracted. Over the years this gradually gave over to aggregate quarrying and apelite quarrying until its final closure. The original owners of the quarry was the London and South Western Railway and then came Britsh Rail and finally EEC Aggregates.
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Meandering river valleys, expansive moorland, ancient history, and green countryside where wild ponies roam free – Dartmoor is a unique place to cycle. Covering a 368 sq mi (953 sq km) area, the vast moorlands and granite hilltops are just waiting to be discovered. You can find more information about visiting the park, here: https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/
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This is a great spot for peace and quiet and the bird life is excellent. With a path that runs the full length of the reservoir, this is a great place to take the family. There is paring at the dam wall and routes that go up to Yes tor from there. This is not a swimming dam and not water activities are allowed on it. You can purchase fishing permits and fish here if you so desire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I do at the lakes around Okehampton?
The lakes offer a diverse range of activities. You can enjoy peaceful walks and birdwatching at Meldon Reservoir, or try walking, cycling, and even some extreme sports like bungee jumping at Meldon Quarry Lake. Roadford Lake is excellent for various watersports, walking, and cycling, while Legge Farm Coarse Fishery is ideal for fishing and woodland walks.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Okehampton?
Yes, Cullever Pool, located within Dartmoor National Park, is highlighted as a wonderful spot for wild swimming. However, swimming is generally not permitted at Meldon Reservoir or Meldon Quarry Lake.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Meldon Reservoir has a path running its full length, making it suitable for family walks. Roadford Lake also offers a network of footpaths and cycle tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, along with an activity center.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Roadford Lake is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a lead and out of the water. For walking routes, you can explore options like the 'East Okement River Trail' which has easy sections, suitable for walks with dogs. Always check specific rules for each location.
Are there hiking or cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous routes. Near Meldon Reservoir and Meldon Quarry Lake, you can find various hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Meldon Viaduct – Meldon Viaduct and Valley View loop'. For cycling, Meldon Quarry Lake is popular, and Roadford Lake offers dedicated cycle tracks. You can find more hiking routes around the area in the Hiking around Okehampton guide and MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Okehampton guide.
Where can I find parking at the lakes?
Parking is available at the dam wall for Meldon Reservoir. For other lakes like Roadford Lake, dedicated parking facilities are typically provided due to its activity center and amenities.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at Legge Farm Coarse Fishery?
Legge Farm Coarse Fishery offers four well-stocked lakes with species including Carp (ranging from 5-28lbs in Beech Lake), Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, and Perch across its various waters like Willow Lake, Woodland Lake, and Beech Lake.
Are there any cafes or accommodation options near the lakes?
Roadford Lake features a café and venue that serves meals and cream teas year-round, along with a campsite offering showers, toilets, and a communal BBQ area. Additionally, Elder Lake is associated with holiday pod accommodation, providing a picturesque lakeside stay near Okehampton.
What natural features or wildlife can I observe?
Meldon Reservoir is known for its excellent birdlife. Legge Farm Coarse Fishery is surrounded by wildlife and woodland, offering a serene environment for nature enthusiasts. Dartmoor National Park, which encompasses some of these lakes, is famous for its expansive moorlands and wild ponies.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Okehampton?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for watersports, walking, and cycling. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, and even winter walks can be rewarding, especially around areas like Meldon Reservoir, known for its peaceful atmosphere.
What makes Meldon Quarry Lake unique?
Meldon Quarry Lake has transformed from an active industrial site, which operated from the late 1700s extracting limestone and later aggregates, into a peaceful landscape. It's now popular for walking, cycling, and even some extreme sports like bungee jumping, offering a blend of natural beauty and industrial history.
Where can I find more information about Roadford Lake's facilities?
For detailed information on Roadford Lake's activity center, watersports, camping, and other facilities, you can visit the official listing on Visit Devon.
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