Walking at Avon Dam

Avon Dam Reservoir is situated in beautiful open moorland on South Dartmoor – a wonderful location for some picturesque walks. To get to the reservoir, head to Shipley Bridge, where you will find car parking and toilet facilities with disabled access, provided by Dartmoor National Park.

From Shipley Bridge, follow the footpath alongside the River Avon to the lake for roughly 2 ½ miles. The walk offers lovely views, ranging from gentle riverside scenes to views over open moorland. The walk to the Dam is a steady and continuous climb, but you will be rewarded by the dramatic views! The majority of the path is tarmac, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs; however, the last half mile has a steep gradient with loose gravel, which may be challenging. Once you reach the lake, this is a perfect spot for a picnic and mostly level walking.

Refuel at Avon Dam

After a walk, visit the Taylor Made Coffee Van for organic coffee and tea, handmade cakes, delicious ice creams and natural, organic ice lollies. See their Facebook page here.

Wildlife and Fishing at Avon Dam

The habitat around the lake is predominantly open grassy moorland, with cattle, ponies and sheep grazing all year round.

The fishery provides free wilderness brown trout fishing for wild fish from the bank and is available to holders of a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence (non-migratory). Find out more here.

The toilets are open seven days a week.

Address: Avon Dam Reservoir, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9ED