Top 7 Lakes around Illogan
Best lakes around Illogan are found in the broader Cornwall area, as Illogan itself does not feature large natural lakes. The region is characterized by its rich mining heritage and diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands, coastal areas, and man-made reservoirs. Visitors can explore a variety of water bodies, from tranquil country park lakes to historic quarry pools and expansive reservoirs.
Best lakes around Illogan
- The most popular lakes is Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a viewpoint that offers…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
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Basset's Cove
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Portreath Harbour and Beach
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Ralph's Cupboard
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Stithians Reservoir Dam
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Tips from the Community
Breathtaking views. Especially when combined with the blooming heather!
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Worth climb to the cairn for the downhill section on the main access road. Then drop into single track round the back lanes of Carharrack. Sweet! :)
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Great view from the dam across the reservoir towards Carn Menellis
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Portreath is a a small coastal village with a very narrow harbour and sandy beach. Rather than fish, this port was used to import Welsh coal and export copper. The original loading ramp can still be seen and given the narrowness of the harbour, navigating it must have been very difficult and dangerous. There are several cafes and shops in Portreath if you are in need of refuelling and/or rehydrating.
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The 7.3 km long circular route takes you back to a time when Cornwall was covered by sea and then became a Europe-wide mountain range. The sedimentary rocks of this area around Portreath were deposited in a deep marine environment during the Devonian age (ca. 393 - 373 million years): Greywacken: Gray rock with fine to coarse grains (0.3 - 2 mm; 0.01 - 0.08 inch), consisting of quartz, feldspars and fragments of foreign rocks. In some cases, shiny/shimmering components can be seen (mica), the rocks form layers and banks. Siltstones: Light gray rock with fine grains (<0.063 mm; <0.002 inch) that are not visible to the naked eye. Layers can be recognized based on the color difference. Slate: Gray to black, sometimes slightly red to greenish colored rocks with very fine grains (<0.02 mm, <0.001 inch), the rocks appear foliated with very thin layers, often alternating with greywackes. The originally horizontal sedimentary layers of Cornwall were tectonically overprinted around 323 - 299 million years ago during the Variscan orogeny (mountain formation). During this time, the southern major continent Gondwana collided with the northern major continents Laurentia and Baltica as well as smaller continent fragments (terranes) such as Avalonia and Amorica. The orogeny ended approximately 270 million years ago with the formation of the supercontinent Pangea. Due to the pressure from the south, the sedimentary rocks were compressed, folded and internally transformed under increasing temperatures. This is how slates emerged from the original claystones. There are no deposits in the area for the period between the formation of the Devonian rocks until 3 million years ago. During the Ice Age 3 million years ago, the region of modern-day Cornwall lay in a tundra area south of the glaciers that covered the Northern Hemisphere. Periglacial deposits from this period can be observed on the cliffs.
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To the west of this bay, a rock wall protrudes into the bay and divides it. This wall is the result of long-term erosion, which led to the collapse of a former cave. The name Ralph’s Cupboard comes from a legend that the giant Ralph lived in this bay. This giant attacked the incoming ships and stored the recovered treasures in the cave, his closet. The eastern side of the bay shows a typical cliff with dark gray shales and greywackes at the lower end and periglacial deposits at the upper part of the cliff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Illogan?
While Illogan itself doesn't feature large natural lakes, the surrounding Cornwall area offers a diverse range. You'll find tranquil man-made lakes within country parks like Tehidy, historic quarry pools such as Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, and expansive reservoirs like Stithians Reservoir Dam. The region also boasts coastal natural monuments and areas with significant mining heritage.
Are there any lakes suitable for wild swimming near Illogan?
Yes, Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a flooded disused granite quarry, is a popular spot for wild swimming. It's also known as a 'doggy swimming pool', offering a unique outdoor experience.
Which lakes offer good walking paths for families or easy strolls?
Tehidy Country Park, located directly adjacent to Illogan, is an excellent choice. It features over 9 miles (14.5km) of paths, with some routes easily accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor also offers a 5km circular walk and children's facilities, making it family-friendly.
Can I find dog-friendly lakes in the Illogan area?
Many lakes in the area are dog-friendly. Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural lake, is popular for dog walkers. Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool is also known as a 'doggy swimming pool'. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially around wildlife habitats.
What historical or mining heritage can I explore near these lakes?
The area around Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool is steeped in mining history, with disused mining works and quarries scattered around. Tehidy Country Park was once part of the Basset family estate, a prominent mining dynasty, and remnants of this history can still be observed. The coastal area around Basset's Cove also tells a story of ancient geological processes and the Variscan orogeny.
Are there opportunities for watersports on lakes near Illogan?
Yes, Stithians Reservoir Dam is known for watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Tamar Lakes (Upper and Lower) also provide opportunities for watersports and birdwatching.
Which lakes provide panoramic views of the Cornish countryside?
From the summit of Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, you can enjoy extensive 360-degree views across the rural Cornish countryside, including both the north and south coasts, and landmarks like Stithian's Lake and Carn Brea.
What amenities are available at the lakes around Illogan?
Tehidy Country Park offers picnic areas, a café, and toilet facilities, particularly near the South Drive entrance. Siblyback Lake also has children's facilities and a café. Colliford Lake provides ample parking and picnic areas. For specific amenities, it's always good to check the individual lake's information.
What outdoor activities or routes are available near the lakes around Illogan?
The area around Illogan offers various outdoor activities. You can find routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and touring bicycles. For example, there are routes like the 'Carn Marth Quarry Pool – Poldice Valley Mining Ruins loop' for gravel biking, or the 'Coast to Coast Trail' for touring bicycles. You can explore more options on the Lakes around Illogan guide page.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Illogan?
The lakes around Illogan offer beauty throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers like bluebells to places like Tehidy Country Park. Warmer months are ideal for watersports and wild swimming. The tranquil environment of many lakes provides a peaceful retreat in any season, with autumn offering beautiful foliage and winter providing crisp walks.
Are there any lakes that are particularly good for wildlife watching?
Tehidy Country Park is a significant wildlife haven, home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including swans, ducks, and other wildfowl. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and spot various wildflowers. Colliford Lake and Tamar Lakes are also excellent for wildlife watching, with herons, kingfishers, and egrets being regular visitors at Tamar Lakes.
Where can I find more information about Tehidy Country Park?
For more detailed information about Tehidy Country Park, including facilities and accessibility, you can visit the official Cornwall Council website: Tehidy Country Park.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Illogan?
Visitors frequently highlight the incredible views, especially from spots like Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool. The opportunity for wild swimming, the extensive network of paths for walking and cycling, and the peaceful, tranquil environment are also highly appreciated. The rich history and diverse wildlife add to the overall appeal.
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