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  • Roadford Lake, Devon
  1. Your Lakes
  2. Devon
  3. Roadford Lake

Roadford Lake, Devon

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, near 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.

An abundance of flora and fauna, and a lovely scattering of nature trails and footpaths to different areas of the lake, offer visitors the opportunity to appreciate the peaceful beauty of water, woodland and forestry on a walk or bicycle.

Car parking is just £2 for two hours, and £4 for the whole day. Your contribution helps us to maintain the lakes for everyone. Find out about the various ways you can pay for parking here.

Walking at Roadford Lake

There are numerous walks at Roadford, ranging from a short stroll to a 13 mile hike. For a great 30 minute brisk walk and wheelchair accessible route, start from the café and follow the paths to the beautiful sundial and back.

Alternatively, continue on to Gaddacombe, where there is a bird hide. Loop back to the café through the forestry plantation. The Coombepark Walk is 2.5m/4km, and should take about 50 minutes. We do ask that dogs are kept under control on leads, so as not to disturb the wildlife. 

There is also an enclosed dog exercise area in the main car park where dogs can run around off-lead, and across the water, there is a dog-friendly campsite. Click here for more walks. 

See a map of walks

Refuel at Roadford Lake

Refuel at the café, which is open all year round and serves locally sourced food, with beautiful scenery as a backdrop. Dogs are very welcome; there is a doggy paw wash area, so dogs can enter the café (on leads) with mud-free paws and enjoy a well-deserved tasty treat!

With a varied menu, tasty treats and delicious ice cream, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children are most welcome and there is plenty of room indoors and out to rest and relax. 

The cafe is currently closed: keep an eye on this page for updates.

Play and Explore at Roadford Lake

With plenty of space to run around, cycle and play, children will enjoy a visit to this beautiful lake. 

Discover insects, take in the scents and colours of wild flowers, and have fun at the sundial. 

We are fundraising to create a new play area at Roadford Lake. Find out more here.

Activities at Roadford Lake

You can also get on the water or enjoy a camping break at Roadford Lake. With a range of activities including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and sailing, our friendly activity team are on hand to help you discover an activity as a family, organised group or individual. Visit our activities website to find out more. 

You can also enjoy excellent Brown trout fishing at Roadford Lake from bank or boat. Find out more at Roadford Lake Trout Fishing.

Wildlife at Roadford Lake

The environment at Roadford is buzzing with wildlife, from dormice and bat boxes, to bird hides and buzzards.

In September 2018, 10 dormice were recorded, along with pygmy shrews, Daubenton’s bats and some bees! If you would like to get involved in any of our conservation work then please contact Emma, our Ecologist. 

If you visit during winter, keep your eyes peeled for snowdrops! One of the earliest flowering plants in woodland, this lovely white bell-shaped flower can be seen as early as January and may be one of the only flowers visible over the winter months.

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is a rare and protected mammal native to the UK. This adorable animal has become locally extinct in some places throughout the UK in line with the destruction of suitable habitats, but due to our habitat restoration work, Roadford has become a stronghold for this rare and endangered species. Our bi-annual dormouse surveys are in their 16th year here, as part of the Natural England national monitoring scheme which helps assess the state of the UK population.

Address: Roadford Lake, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0RL

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

51.06582770 -3.47844230 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

50.87992490 -4.43492000 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: 5th January, 2021

Author:

Location: Roadford Lake, LIFTON, PL16 0RL

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

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

Coronavirus update 5 Jan: Our lakes will be staying open for local communities to come and exercise. Please do not travel to a lake if it is not local to where you live. Please see our update page for specific lakes.