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  • Lopwell Dam, Devon
  1. Your Lakes
  2. Devon
  3. Lopwell Dam

Lopwell Dam, Devon

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking.

Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.

*Please note: the Nature Reserve path is currently closed until further notice due to storm damage and path subsidence which has made public access unsafe. We are working with South West Water to resolve the situation. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Explore Lopwell Dam

There are lots of things to do with the family: have a go at pond-dipping, go on a mini-beast hunt, try a spot of bird watching, follow the beautiful woodland trails, or even cycle the Tamar Discovery Trail!

At low tide you can walk across the Tidal Ford and encounter nature face to face by following the beautiful woodland trails in the Local Nature Reserve. Lopwell also lies on the route of the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail between Plymouth and Launceston, and the Lopwell Dam cycle link from the Plym Valley/National Cycle Route 27.

While it is now a peaceful and beautiful spot, Lopwell was initially a busy river quay, serving nearby mines. Explore Lopwell’s nature trail and discover Wheal Maristow, an impressive mineshaft, dating back to the 13th Century. Before the dam was built, a ferry used to run from one side of the estuary to the other. If you walk around the nature reserve you will come across the ruins of the old ferryman’s cottage which used to house the Vivian brothers who ran the ferry in around 1918 (a wooden rowing boat!)

'Where salt and fresh water meet.'

Lopwell is open all year round, although access to the Nature Reserve (via the ford) is restricted by the tide. Tide tables are provided on both sides of the dam.

Wildlife at Lopwell Dam

Lopwell Dam is a haven for wildlife, encompassing several distinct habitats. In 2004, the site was designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in recognition of its unique environment. Lopwell Dam lies within the Tamar Tavy and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). SSSIs are established to protect the most valuable areas of the country for wildlife and geology. Lopwell Dam is an important saltmarsh habitat site for species such as common saltmarsh-grass, red fescue, sea couch, sea purslane, sea aster, sea arrowgrass, sea club-rush and English scurvygrass.

Explore ancient semi-natural woodlands, and a wildflower and butterfly meadow. Look out for the grey heron, which can sometimes be tricky to spot; they do not migrate, and can be seen at any time of the year, often in shallow water or in vegetation looking for food. Keep an eye out for the little egret, a striking white heron. You are most likely to see these playing and feeding from streams and at the water’s edge. See if you can spot the silver-washed fritillary flying about, and in the water, there are kingfishers, Atlantic salmon…and even an Atlantic grey seal!

Getting to Lopwell Dam

By Road: From the A386 Plymouth – Tavistock road, follow the brown signs to Lopwell Dam, indicated by the duck symbol, passing Buckland Abbey. Take care, this road is narrow in places.

By Bus: Take the 55 service (Mon-Sat) from Yelverton (regular connections from Plymouth/Tavistock) to Milton Combe. There is then a ½ mile walk to Lopwell.

By Rail: Take the Tamar Valley line from Plymouth to Bere Ferrers. Lopwell is a 2 mile walk from the station (N.B. The ford at Lopwell is not passable at high tide – check tide times in advance). 

Address: Lopwell Dam, Plymouth, PL6 7BZ

50.49864700 -4.04322830 1 /burrator Burrator, Devon

1. Burrator, Devon

The jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator encompasses dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements and a Nature Reserve. Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Burrator Reservoir offers a unique day out for families, nature enthusiasts, historians and Dartmoor lovers alike.Read more

Published: 15/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.78291770 -1.90933500 2 /longham-lakes Longham Lakes, Bournemouth

2. Longham Lakes, Bournemouth

Longham Lakes, located close to the idyllic town of Ferndown in Dorset, offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. Take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes and spot an abundance of wildlife which call Longham their home. Relax on the shorelines and take part in a spot of fishing; join one of the many community clubs which use the site, or simply make the most of the amazing photo opportunities at the lakes.Read more

Published: 12/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

51.15969980 -3.93920660 3 /wistlandpound Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor

3. Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor

Wistlandpound Reservoir, located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a haven for wildlife and provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for a woodland walk or a day spent in the great outdoors.Read more

Published: 12/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

51.06901980 -3.47484130 4 /wimbleball-lake Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor

4. Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor

Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.Read more

Published: 12/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.87566240 -4.42948430 5 /tamar Tamar Lakes, Cornwall

5. Tamar Lakes, Cornwall

Surrounded by British countryside and nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and rich in flora and fauna. This is an idyllic to spot to set the imagination free, stretch your legs and enjoy the peace that comes from being near water.Read more

Published: 12/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.18826840 -5.21015090 6 /stithians Stithians, Cornwall

6. Stithians, Cornwall

Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to watersports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.Read more

Published: 12/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.51373220 -4.49422470 7 /siblyback Siblyback, Cornwall

7. Siblyback, Cornwall

Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.Read more

Published: 11/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.41952630 -5.00140250 8 /porth Porth, Cornwall

8. Porth, Cornwall

Nestled in a valley just outside of Newquay, Porth Reservoir is a beautiful destination for a family day out, a spot of birdwatching, or angling. A designated bird sanctuary and a paradise for birdwatchers, you might spot owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers flying around.Read more

Published: 11/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.62296180 -4.62083450 9 /crowdy Crowdy, Cornwall

9. Crowdy, Cornwall

Crowdy Reservoir lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the northern tip of Bodmin Moor, designated for its fantastic habitats and associated wildlife. Located a few miles from Camelford, and near the North Cornwall coastal villages of Tintagel, Port Isaac and Boscastle, the reservoir is perfectly situated for a family day out.Read more

Published: 11/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.52963210 -4.58527670 10 /colliford Colliford, Cornwall

10. Colliford, Cornwall

Colliford is Cornwall’s largest inland water, with a surface area of a whopping 900 acres – that’s about 682 football pitches! Located just off the A30, the lake is a couple of miles south of Jamaica Inn, the famous smugglers’ haunt immortalised by Daphne du Maurier.Read more

Published: 11/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.15040610 -5.13530600 11 /argal-and-college Argal and College, Cornwall

11. Argal and College, Cornwall

Located on the outskirts of Penryn in Cornwall, Argal and College reservoirs are a beautiful setting for a family day out.Read more

Published: 09/04/2019 00:00:00

Author: Annabel Underwood

50.47216970 -3.86511980 12 /avon-dam Avon Dam, Devon

12. Avon Dam, Devon

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.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.52301190 -3.85527240 13 /venford Venford, Devon

13. Venford, Devon

Venford Reservoir is a hidden jewel in the midst of the craggy hills of Dartmoor National Park. The coniferous woodland provides a sheltered area to explore the countryside; why not set out on a stroll, spot wildlife and take a picnic along?Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.64630520 -3.69255640 14 /kennick-tottiford-trenchford Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford, Devon

14. Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford, Devon

Discover a haven of history and beauty at three reservoirs on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor National Park. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding farmland, forests and water on a woodland walk. Follow some lovely off-road paths and footbridges; Trenchford and Tottiford are linked by a network of trails, culminating in a rugged round lake walk at Tottiford.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.70366760 -4.03921630 15 /meldon Meldon, Devon

15. Meldon, Devon

Meldon is situated on Dartmoor National Park, approximately 900 feet above sea level, with stunning views over the Okement Valley. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.46540830 -4.15093110 16 /lopwell Lopwell Dam, Devon

16. Lopwell Dam, Devon

Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking. Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.64110040 -3.88844200 17 /fernworthy Fernworthy, Devon

17. Fernworthy, Devon

Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

50.68717380 -4.22962390 18 /roadford Roadford Lake, Devon

18. Roadford Lake, Devon

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.Read more

Published: 20/12/2018 00:00:00

Author:

Published: 20th December, 2018

Updated: 15th September, 2020

Author:

Location: Lopwell Dam, Plymouth, PL6 7BZ

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Registered Office:
Roadford Lake, Broadwoodwidger
Lifton, Devon, PL16 0RL
Open:
Monday – Sunday, 8.30am – 5.00pm
01566 771930
[email protected]

South West Lakes Trust Registered Charity No. 1079966     
Company No. 03946529

Following the changes to government guidelines on 12 April, we are delighted to have more of our facilities open and look forward to welcoming you soon. Please see our update page for specific lakes.