Top 8 Lakes around Camborne
Best lakes around Camborne are situated in West Cornwall, an area characterized by its diverse natural landscape, including extensive woodlands, former mining areas, and coastal features. The region offers a variety of water bodies, from tranquil woodland lakes to historic flooded quarries. These locations provide opportunities for walking routes and exploring the natural environment. The area's history of mining and quarrying has shaped some of its unique water features.
Best lakes around Camborne
- The most popular lakes is St Ives Harbour, a settlement that features a picturesque fishing harbour and golden beaches. It is known for its distinctive cobbled streets, independent shops, and traditional eateries.
- Another must-see spot is Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a viewpoint and lake formed from a flooded former granite quarry. From the top of Carn Marth, there are views over the rural countryside of inland Cornwall, amidst disused mining works.
- Visitors also love Basset's Cove, a natural monument with coastal views. This area showcases geological features from the Devonian age, with sedimentary rocks that were tectonically transformed during the Variscan orogeny.
- Camborne is known for woodland lakes, reservoirs, and flooded quarries. These offer a variety of experiences, from tranquil walks to fishing opportunities and historical exploration.
- The lakes around Camborne are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 360 upvotes and 197 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
St Ives Harbour
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Basset's Cove
Highlight • Natural Monument
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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
St Ives Harbour
Highlight • Viewpoint
However if you fancy a bag of chips or and ice cream, take care of the seagulls they hunt in packs and they have evolved to be the ultimate ice cream preditor.
Tip by
St Ives Bay
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Camborne.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Camborne
Tips from the Community
glorious colors of the boats in contrast to the water & sky
0
0
Breathtaking views. Especially when combined with the blooming heather!
0
0
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! :)
0
0
For me, St. Ives is one of the most idyllic places on Cornwall's coast. Here you will not only find shops, pubs and nice cafés, but also many small art galleries.
4
1
A really great seaside resort on Cornwall's coast. The harbor is rather small. St Ives is very idyllic.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Camborne's lakes?
The area around Camborne offers diverse natural features. You can find extensive woodlands at Tehidy Country Park, which features several tranquil lakes. There are also unique geological formations, such as the sedimentary rocks at Basset's Cove, which showcase the region's ancient geological history. Additionally, you can explore coastal features like Ralph's Cupboard, a bay with a rock wall formed by erosion.
Are there any historical sites or unique geological features near the lakes?
Yes, the region has a rich history of mining and quarrying. Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool is a prime example, a flooded former granite quarry offering incredible views amidst disused mining works. Basset's Cove also showcases significant geological features from the Devonian age, with sedimentary rocks tectonically transformed during the Variscan orogeny.
Which lakes are suitable for a family day out?
Tehidy Country Park Lakes are ideal for families, offering extensive woodlands, tranquil settings for walks and cycling, picnic spots, and a café. Dogs are also welcome. St Ives Harbour and Portreath Harbour and Beach are also listed as family-friendly, providing picturesque settings with amenities.
Where can I find good walking or hiking trails near Camborne's lakes?
Tehidy Country Park offers nine miles of paths and trails suitable for peaceful walks and cycling. For more structured routes, you can explore various running trails around Camborne, including a 'Waterfall at Tehidy Wood' loop. Find more options in the Running Trails around Camborne guide.
Are there options for cycling around the lakes near Camborne?
Yes, Tehidy Country Park features extensive paths and trails suitable for cycling. Additionally, there are numerous road cycling routes in the wider Camborne area, such as the 'Road With Atlantic Ocean Views' loop. You can find detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Camborne guide, and MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Camborne guide.
Can I bring my dog to the lake areas around Camborne?
Yes, Tehidy Country Park is a dog-friendly location, welcoming dogs within its extensive woodlands and around its lakes, making it a great spot for walks with your canine companion.
What are the parking facilities like at the lakes near Camborne?
While specific parking details for every lake are not provided, popular spots like Tehidy Country Park typically offer designated parking areas for visitors. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or specific highlight pages for more information.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
Yes, Tehidy Country Park has a café near its North Cliffs entrance. In coastal areas like Portreath Harbour and Beach and St Ives Harbour, you'll find plenty of cafes, pubs, and eateries to refuel and rehydrate.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Camborne?
The lakes around Camborne can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walks and outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful foliage to woodland areas like Tehidy Country Park. Even in winter, the region offers scenic walks, though appropriate clothing is recommended.
Are there any opportunities for fishing at the lakes in the Camborne area?
Yes, Cargenwen Reservoir, located between Camborne and Helston, is primarily known for its coarse fishing opportunities. It's regularly stocked with various carp species, offering an enjoyable experience for anglers.
What kind of views can I expect from the lake areas?
You can expect diverse views, from tranquil woodland scenes at Tehidy Country Park to panoramic rural countryside vistas from Carn Marth, overlooking Hick's Quarry Pool. Coastal areas like Basset's Cove and Portreath Harbour and Beach offer stunning sea views.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walks around Camborne's lakes?
The terrain varies significantly. Woodland paths at Tehidy Country Park are generally well-maintained. Areas around former quarries like Hick's Quarry Pool might involve more rugged, uneven ground with remnants of mining works. Coastal walks, such as those near Basset's Cove, can include cliffs and potentially steep sections.
Most popular routes around Camborne
Most popular attractions around Camborne
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Camborne? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
