What we do

Welcome to South West Lakes Trust

Our charity is dedicated to caring for and enhancing the South West's reservoirs and lakes: they are home to wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water.

Every year, millions of people visit lakes and reservoirs across the UK. They provide a perfect setting for a great day out, be it for a stroll, to play, nature watch or enjoy adventurous activities such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.

As an independent charity, our purpose is to protect special places for people and wildlife; in doing this we care for over 40 inland waters in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Ranging in size from one to nine hundred acres, the lakes provide unrivalled access to watersports, angling, walking and cycling, and are places you can be active or play and explore all day long.

Some of our lakes are recognised with special designations including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserves. We take great pride in protecting and enhancing these locations for the future and for people to value and enjoy.

Pond dipping at Roadford Lake

Our unique working relationship with South West Water ensures that the land surrounding the reservoirs in our care is managed sensitively and sustainability to improve the quality of water entering the reservoirs, and that these beautiful countryside locations are enjoyed by everyone, not just today, but for future generations as well.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to one of our lakes soon. Whether your passion is watersports, angling, walking and cycling or simply enjoying green spaces and being close to nature, it's your outdoors - come and explore.

Find out more about visiting our lakes.

Stand up paddle boarding by Erin Bridges

Latest

Reflecting on a busy summer at Burrator

It has been wonderful to welcome back volunteers and visitors at Burrator this summer after the restrictions of the last 18 months.
Family Astro Party at Wimbleball Lake

Join Exmoor National Park's rangers, education officers and astronomer Jo Richardson for a fun indoor and outdoor family orientated astro event at Wimbleball Lake, as part of the Dark Sky Festival on Saturday 6 November.
Astronomy Lecture at Wimbleball Lake

Join us at Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre on Monday 1 November at 7pm for an astronomy lecture run by Exmoor National Park, as part of their Dark Sky Festival.
Funding secured for new play area at Roadford Lake

Work to create a new play area at Roadford Lake near Okehampton will start early next year, thanks to generous funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, South West Water and South West Lakes and our supporters.

Equipment Hire

Experience the ultimate family adventure by exploring the lakes at your own pace. We have a variety of watersports equipment available to hire including; kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and more.
South West Lakes Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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.
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Self-launch and Launch Membership

Already have your own kit? You can launch your own kayak, canoe, dingy or stand up paddleboard at our lakes! And, if you are a regular visitor, you can even become a member and launch as often as you like at all five activity centres!
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.
Wimbleball Campsite

Experience a family camping holiday like no other at Wimbleball Lake, nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park. Create the ultimate camping break packed with adventure, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
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.
FAQs

Want to find out more? Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions. If you still can't find what you are looking for, please contact our team who will be happy to help.
Instructor-led Sessions

Learn something new with one of our qualified instructors. Take part in a 'Have a go' session, expand your knowledge by signing up to a course or get involved in one of our weekly clubs. There really is something for all ages and abilities to try.