Top 7 Lakes around Meavy

The most popular water bodies include Burrator Reservoir, known for its scenic trails and family-friendly atmosphere. Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) is popular for swimming and climbing, while Crazywell Pool offers a unique wild swimming experience on Dartmoor.

Yes, Burrator Reservoir is particularly family-friendly, offering a tranquil environment for walks, runs, or cycles along its perimeter road and smaller tracks. The paths are also dog-friendly, making it ideal for family outings. You can also enjoy picnicking in peaceful surroundings.

Burrator Reservoir features a variety of well-maintained walking and cycling trails suitable for all abilities. There's a flat, circular route around its perimeter, approximately 4.5 miles long, which takes about two hours to complete. More adventurous visitors can explore nearby trails leading into Dartmoor. For more options, check out the hiking guide and cycling guide for Meavy.

For wild swimming, Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) offers deep, cold, and clear water, perfect for a dip on a hot day. Another excellent spot is Crazywell Pool, a deep, hidden pool known as one of the finest places for wild swimming on Dartmoor.

The area around Burrator Reservoir is steeped in history, with its construction submerging ancient farms and stone dwellings. Remnants can sometimes be seen during low water levels. The Sheepstor Dam itself is a significant man-made monument. Near Foggintor Quarry Lake, you can find impressive archaeological history. Redlake Pool has a history of China clay extraction and peat digging.

Yes, fishing is permitted in Burrator Reservoir for rainbow and brown trout. Permits are required. You can find more information on permits and regulations by visiting the official Burrator Reservoir website or local angling associations.

The lakes around Meavy, particularly Burrator Reservoir, offer beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking, with wildflowers and abundant wildlife. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer a stark, beautiful Dartmoor landscape. The tranquil waters reflect the moorland hills, creating stunning photographic opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk.

While there are no facilities directly on the shores of all lakes, Burrator Reservoir has facilities including picnic tables and toilets. The nearby villages, including Meavy itself, offer pubs and cafes where you can find refreshments after your outdoor activities.

Burrator Reservoir is easily accessible by car from Yelverton, with various parking locations available around the reservoir, including Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge, and the Dam. Other lakes like Foggintor Quarry Lake and Crazywell Pool may require walking from more remote parking spots on Dartmoor.

Burrator Reservoir is a haven for wildlife, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. You might spot Dartmoor ponies, deer, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and seasonal wildflowers. Bird watching is particularly rewarding, and the surrounding habitats are rich in biodiversity.

While a road runs around Burrator Reservoir, making it excellent for cycling, other water bodies like Foggintor Quarry Lake and Crazywell Pool are typically accessed via walking trails and are not suitable for cycling directly around them. For more cycling routes in the area, refer to the Cycling around Meavy guide.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil beauty and diverse activities available. Many enjoy the scenic walks and cycling opportunities around Burrator Reservoir, highlighting its beautiful scenery and viewing points. The unique wild swimming experiences at Foggintor Quarry Lake and Crazywell Pool are also highly rated, with many appreciating the clear, refreshing waters and the rugged Dartmoor landscape.