Following the Government’s announcement regarding stricter lockdown measures in England, we will continue to keep the lakes open throughout November for visitors to enjoy within their household, support or one other person from another household. 

Outdoor spaces including the lakes and their surrounding woodlands and pathways will be available for visitors to use for exercise. Extensive research indicates that spending time in nature, particularly within green and blue spaces - such as the lakes and surrounding countryside - has an important positive impact on both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Using the lakes for walking, cycling and simply spending time outdoors will provide a welcome solace for many during the lockdown period, as it already has for those who have come to appreciate the value of connecting with nature during the pandemic.

  

The lakes and reservoirs throughout the region offer special locations for spending time outdoors; for example, Roadford Lake, which sits within the beautiful surroundings of the Wolf Valley in Devon, boasts a variety of accessible pathways and cycling trails scattered within an abundance of flora and fauna. In Cornwall, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), providing a unique and calming atmosphere throughout the changing seasons. On Exmoor, Wimbleball Lake is a hub of colour and wildlife. Spread across the region, people across the South West will be able to turn to their local lake for a breath of fresh air.

We recently launched touch-free parking with RingGo at eight locations across the south west, encouraging visitors to use this safer alternative payment method on their trips to the lakes. Regular visitors may also consider becoming a Friend, which enables visitors to support South West Lakes’ crucial environmental, educational and access work while providing free parking for a year in all their car parks.

We recommend that visitors stay local and maintain social distancing, and use their own hand sanitiser. Find out more about how to enjoy a visit at the lakes on the individual lakes pages on our website, or follow @swlakes on social media.