Top 7 Lakes around Redruth
Best lakes around Redruth are found in a region of Cornwall, England, known for its diverse natural landscape and rich mining history. The area features prominent hills like Carn Marth, offering expansive views of the rural countryside. Redruth's proximity to both man-made reservoirs and flooded quarries provides various opportunities for outdoor activities. This landscape combines historical significance with natural beauty, making it a destination for exploration.
Best lakes around Redruth
- The most popular lakes is Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a viewpoint that features a flooded quarry pool. From the top of Carn Marth at 755 feet (230 m), there are views over the rural countryside of inland Cornwall.
- Another must-see spot is Stithians Reservoir Dam, a man-made monument. This dam created the Stithians Reservoir, a man-made body of water dating back to 1962, offering opportunities for watersports and bird watching.
- Visitors also love Basset's Cove, a natural monument. This coastal area features geological formations from the Devonian age and offers views of the sea.
- Redruth is known for man-made reservoirs and flooded quarry pools. These provide a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes around Redruth are appreciated by the komoot community, with 28 upvotes and 19 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
Highlight • Viewpoint
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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 •
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Portreath Harbour and Beach
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St Ives Bay
Highlight • Beach
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Stithians Reservoir Dam
Highlight • Monument
On a good day, taking the paths around Stithians Reservoir can often offer plenty to watch, whether that's sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, SUP and canoeing activities on the lake from the watersports centre, or plenty of bird watching and fly fishing to be enjoyed.
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Other adventures around Redruth
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary lakes to visit around Redruth?
The main lakes in the Redruth area are Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a flooded quarry offering panoramic views, and Stithians Lake (formed by the Stithians Reservoir Dam), a large man-made reservoir popular for watersports.
What activities are available at Stithians Lake?
Stithians Lake is a hub for outdoor activities. You can enjoy watersports like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It's also a popular spot for fly fishing, birdwatching, and offers a circular walk and cycleway. Family-friendly amenities and a campsite are also available.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Redruth?
Yes, both main lakes offer walking opportunities. Stithians Lake features a nearly five-mile circular walk and public footpaths. Around Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, you'll find trails leading to the summit with incredible views and paths around the flooded quarry. For more hiking options, explore the easy hikes around Redruth.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Redruth?
Wild swimming is an option at Hick's Quarry Pool at Carn Marth, though the path can be steep and rough. Stithians Lake is primarily used for organized watersports and fishing, with designated areas for activities.
Are the lakes around Redruth suitable for families?
Yes, Stithians Lake is particularly family-friendly, offering a children's play area, a lakeside café, and a campsite. The various watersports activities and walking paths also cater to different age groups. Carn Marth offers scenic walks and a unique flooded quarry experience that can be enjoyed by families.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
Stithians Lake is known for its birdwatching opportunities, with a nature reserve nearby and bird hides along its banks. Around Carn Marth, the lowland heath and gorse attract various wildlife, including birds like cuckoos, warblers, swallows, and falcons.
What is the historical significance of the lakes area near Redruth?
The area around Redruth has a rich mining and quarrying history. Carn Marth is a former granite quarry, with its stone used in many local buildings. Stithians Lake is a man-made reservoir, created in 1962, which involved flooding a valley and several country houses.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, Stithians Lake has a dedicated cycleway along its northern shore. Additionally, you can find various road cycling routes in the wider area, including the 'Bridge over Stithians Reservoir – Stithians Reservoir loop from Redruth'. For more options, check out the road cycling routes around Redruth.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Stithians Lake features a lakeside café, such as Café Lake Central or Farm to Fork, offering food and drinks with lake views. While Carn Marth doesn't have direct lakeside cafes, the nearby town of Redruth offers various dining options.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Redruth?
Visitors frequently highlight the incredible panoramic views from Carn Marth, often mentioning the chance for a swim in Hick's Quarry Pool. At Stithians Lake, the diverse watersports, tranquil fishing, and birdwatching opportunities are highly appreciated, along with the scenic walks around the reservoir.
Can I fish in the lakes near Redruth?
Yes, Stithians Lake is one of England's most westerly trout fisheries, regularly stocked with rainbow trout and also home to brown trout. Fly fishing is popular from both the bank and by boat. Hick's Quarry Pool at Carn Marth is also a popular spot for fishing.
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