Top 7 Lakes around Ashburton

Visitors frequently enjoy Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies, known for its beautiful water lilies and historical significance as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Another popular spot is Redlake Pool, a natural monument offering a remote Dartmoor landscape with signs of historical china clay extraction. Avon Dam Reservoir is also highly rated for its panoramic views in moorland surroundings.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Avon Dam Reservoir is considered family-friendly, providing a scenic spot for a rest. Venford Reservoir is also family-friendly, offering a lovely spot to explore with beautiful woodland and winding rivers. Additionally, Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, a former quarry, is now a green space with woodland walking trails, watersports lessons, and facilities, making it ideal for families.

The lakes around Ashburton are set within the Dartmoor landscape, offering diverse natural features. You'll find granite quarries, moorland, woodlands, and rivers. For instance, Haytor Quarry Pond features water lilies within an old quarry setting. Redlake Pool provides a remote, bleak Dartmoor landscape. Venford Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful woodland and offers opportunities for wild swimming in its rivers.

The area around Ashburton's lakes is rich in history, particularly its industrial past. Haytor Quarry Pond is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with evidence of granite extraction and ancient human habitation, including Bronze Age hut circles. Redlake Pool shows signs of historical china clay extraction and peat digging, with ruins of a hostel where workers stayed.

Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, you can find routes like the 'Haytor Rocks – Hound Tor loop from River Ashburn' (14.4 km, moderate) or the 'Welstor Rock loop from River Ashburn' (3.2 km, easy). Many trails provide access to the lakes and surrounding moorland. You can explore more hiking options on the Hiking around Ashburton guide.

Beyond hiking, the Ashburton area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find running trails, such as the 'Greator Rocks – Haytor Rocks loop from River Ashburn' (14.5 km, difficult), detailed in the Running Trails around Ashburton guide. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'River Dart loop from Ashburton' (26.6 km, difficult) available in the Cycling around Ashburton guide. Some lakes, like Decoy Lake, also offer watersports lessons.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and the sense of remoteness the Dartmoor landscape offers. Many enjoy the panoramic views, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunities for photography, especially at spots like Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies. The blend of natural scenery with historical industrial remnants also adds a unique appeal.

Yes, Venford Reservoir is noted for its winding rivers where you can swim. Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, offers watersports lessons, making it a good option for those looking for more active water-based recreation.

Yes, there are options for easier walks. For example, the path to Avon Dam Reservoir involves a gentle climb along a smooth tarmac service road. Venford Reservoir also offers a flat loop around the reservoir. For more options, you can check the Hiking around Ashburton guide for easy-rated routes like the 'Welstor Rock loop from River Ashburn'.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but the experience varies. During summer, spaces at popular parking spots like Venford Reservoir can be hard to come by. The Dartmoor landscape, particularly around Redlake Pool, can be quite remote and exposed, so checking weather forecasts is advisable, especially outside of warmer months.

While many of the lakes are in remote moorland settings, some do offer facilities. Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, provides a refreshment stand and other facilities. For more remote locations, it's advisable to be self-sufficient as amenities may be limited.