Did you know that spending time on or near ‘blue space’ can have a hugely positive impact on your health and well-being?

A visit to one of the south west’s lakes, whether it’s for a walk, to play, cycle or to get out on the water in a kayak, can lift your spirits and benefit your physical health.

As we start to adjust into a summer not quite to everyone’s plans, South West Lakes are really keen to help visitors make the most of the summer months, lighter evenings and fantastic places with lots of open space to explore.

Bring a picnic, your bikes or walking shoes and your family and take this opportunity to explore a little further around the lakes.

At Roadford Lake, on the western edge of Dartmoor, there are miles of footpaths and woodland cycle trails overlooking the glistening waters, where you can also enjoy an adventure in a kayak or practising your balance on a stand up paddleboard.

Siblyback Lake on the scenic Bodmin Moor offers the perfect venue for those with smaller legs, just 5 kilometers (3 miles) all the way round just like Upper Tamar Lake on the north Cornish coast near Bude. The paths at both lakes are also perfect for pushchairs, trampers and wheelchairs.

If you’re looking for a spot of fishing, Upper Tamar Lake offers a superb venue to get into coarse angling. Bring your own equipment or opt for a few hours tuition - the kids will not be disappointed. 

Wimbleball Lake is set in the stunning Exmoor National Park and gives visitors the chance to discover a slice of Exmoor with plenty of space for picnics, opportunities to get out on the water with your own paddleboard or canoe and an abundance of wildlife to look out for.

Down at Stithians Lake enjoy the rugged West Cornwall landscape, take part in watersports, observe the resident wildlife, stretch your legs or simply sit back, relax and embrace a moment of calm.

The lakes offer a fantastic variety of opportunities to get out and about, to explore and connect with nature and to rest and relax. With plenty of wide-open space, you can enjoy a day visit with your family to places on your doorstep. Cafes at the lakes are now open and offering their tasty treats and delicious drinks as a takeaway service.

If you’re looking for a longer adventure to really give yourself a break and reset your mental health, why not book a few nights under canvas or in your campervan? Our campsites are opening from the 4^th of July and we are also gradually reintroducing watersports equipment to hire and lessons with our friendly, well qualified team.

Our campsites are also perfect for short fishing breaks. With a choice of trout and coarse fisheries there is something to suit everyone.

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. As a charity, we are dedicated to caring for and enhancing the South West's reservoirs and lakes: they are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites.

If you are regular visitor to the lakes, you can support our environmental, educational and access work by becoming a Friend of South West Lakes, which offers many benefits including a parking pass for all of SW Lakes car parks.

#ItsYourOutdoors - come and explore!