Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
South West Lakes Trust
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • About us
    • What we do
    • Our impact
    • Our team
    • Join the team
    • Partners
    • NCS
    • News
    • Blogs
      • SWLT
      • Countryside Team
  • Your Lakes
    • Visit the lakes
      • Visit the lakes
      • Car parking at the lakes
      • Reservoir safety
      • Wild camping
    • Devon
      • Roadford Lake
      • Burrator
      • Lopwell Dam
      • Fernworthy
      • Meldon
      • Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford
      • Venford
      • Avon Dam
    • Cornwall
      • Argal and College
      • Colliford
      • Porth
      • Siblyback
      • Stithians
      • Crowdy
      • Tamar Lakes
    • Exmoor
      • Wimbleball
      • Wistlandpound
    • Dorset
      • Longham Lakes
      • Christchurch Harbour
    • Current reservoir levels
  • Support our work
    • Donate
    • GiveBack2020
    • Friends of South West Lakes
    • Appeals
      • Roadford Lake Play and Explore
    • Volunteer for us
      • Why volunteer
      • Volunteering opportunities
      • Volunteering calendar
      • Volunteer case study
    • Our Shop
  • Our Campaigns
    • Campaigns summary
    • Love your Lakes
    • Play and Explore
    • Active Outdoors
    • Building Outdoor Skills
    • Discovering Local Culture
  • What's On
  • Fishing
    • Coarse Fishing
    • Trout Fishing
  • 01566771930
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor
  1. Your Lakes
  2. Exmoor
  3. Wimbleball

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. 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 Wimbleball Lake

There is a short, linear walk to the dam (1.3m/2.1km), which should take approximately 30 minutes. Return on the same route for a 3 mile walk. For the more adventurous walker, there is the challenging 9 mile/14.5km hike around the lake perimeter: ‘The Lakeside Round Walk’. This should take roughly 3 hours. Both start from the on-site café car park. Bring your dog along on a lead and enjoy the walk with the whole family.

Alternatively, get on your bike and cycle along paths that offer tantalising glimpses of beautiful lake views. The cycle routes mostly follow bridleways and some quiet country lanes, and pass through woodland and grassland.

See a map of walks

Refuel at Wimbleball Lake

Bring along a picnic and take a break at one of the well-appointed picnic areas, or visit the café. Coffee Couture offers great food and drinks with a stunning backdrop. For opening times, visit the Facebook page. 

Stargaze at Wimbleball Lake

Pay a visit after dark and look up to the sky! Located within Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve on Exmoor, Wimbleball is a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site and is the perfect place to stargaze and engage with nature and the outdoors in its greatest form. Read more about stargazing on Exmoor National Park.

Activities at Wimbleball Lake

Take the opportunity to let off steam in our informal play area, or explore the atmospheric woodlands.

You can also get on the water or enjoy a camping break at Wimbleball 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 swlakes website to find out more.

You can also enjoy excellent trout fishing at Wimbleball Lake. Find out more here.

An all-terrain mobility scooter, ‘The Tramper’, and a Wheelyboat are available if you require them. Please call or email for more information.

Wildlife at Wimbleball Lake 

Boasting a variety of special wildlife hotspots, visitors can expect to find a range of wildfowl, as well as mammalian varieties such as hedgehogs, weasels and, if you are lucky (and quiet!), the iconic Exmoor red deer. But as spring fast approaches, flashes of patterned wings and the twitch of antenna become a more regular sight around the lake as the butterflies begin to take flight!

The dedicated site team and regular volunteers carry out a range of conservation tasks to promote a variety of species. One particularly special butterfly species found at Wimbleball is the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Boloria selene. This small orange and brown butterfly can be identified by several white pearl markings on the hind wings bordered by black chevrons and is found flying from late May to mid-June around the northern arm of the lake, within Hurscombe Nature Reserve.

Look out for beautiful orchids in the wildflower meadow, and spot wax caps in the grassy banks near the Activity Centre in late autumn and winter. Try birdwatching from the bird hide – you might even glimpse a starling murmuration!

If you are staying at the campsite, keep a look out for brown long-eared bats, which you might see flying around at night, hunting for airborne insects.

Address: Activity Centre, Wimbleball Lake, Lower Goodacre, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9NU

  

Visit Exmoor

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: 12th April, 2019

Updated: 4th November, 2020

Author: Annabel Underwood

Location: Activity Centre, Wimbleball Lake, Dulverton, TA22 9NU

Related topics:
  • Your Lakes
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Dark Sky Friendly accreditation for work at Wimbleball Lake

    Dark Sky Friendly accreditation for work at Wimbleball Lake

    The South West Lakes team at Wimbleball Lake is delighted to have been accredited with one of the first Dark Sky Friendly Business awards, as part of a scheme run by Exmoor National Park Authority.

  • Autumn Success for NCS

    Autumn Success for NCS

    NCS is a once in a life-time, nationwide, government funded experience for young people between the ages of 16 and 17 to enjoy during their summer holidays that takes place over either 3 or 4 exciting weeks. Working in small teams, participants from Cornwall, Torbay and the surrounding areas enjoyed two days of fun on the water at Roadford Lake in Devon.

  • Work starts on a new ‘water-wise garden’ at Roadford Lake

    Work starts on a new ‘water-wise garden’ at Roadford Lake

    The creation of a new ‘water-wise garden’ has commenced at Roadford Lake as part of South West Water’s campaign to highlight how customers can save money through water efficiency.

  • Lakes in the South West to remain open to visitors during lockdown

    Lakes in the South West to remain open to visitors during lockdown

    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.

Related

  • Burrator, Devon

    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.

  • Longham Lakes, Bournemouth

    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.

  • Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor

    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.

  • Tamar Lakes, Cornwall

    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.

  • Stithians, Cornwall

    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.

  • Siblyback, Cornwall

    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.

  • Porth, Cornwall

    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.

  • Crowdy, Cornwall

    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.

  • Colliford, Cornwall

    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.

  • Argal and College, Cornwall

    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.

Most read

  • Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

    Vote for your favourite photo competition entry

    It's time to have your say!

  • Join the team

    Current vacancies

  • Lopwell Dam, Devon

    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.

  • Roadford Lake, Devon

    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.

  • Coronavirus update 7/1/2021

    Coronavirus update 7/1/2021

    Our lakes will be staying open for you to come and exercise. Local has been defined as staying within your village, town or the part of a city where you live. Please don't travel to a lake if it is not local to where you live.

  • Visit the Lakes

    Visit the Lakes

    Venture around the beautiful lakes of the South West by foot, bike and paw; explore miles of footpaths and trails, whilst taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful beauty of water, woodland and forestry.  The lakes are an idyllic setting for a family day out in Cornwall, Devon and on Exmoor. Partake in a spot of adventure off the water; there are plenty of fantastic things to do as a family, and some of the best, most memorable days cost absolutely nothing (except a small car parking charge!

  • Burrator, Devon

    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.

  • Colliford, Cornwall

    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.

  • What we do

    What we do

    We are dedicated to the protection of the natural environment found at our lakes and are passionate about people from all walks of life being able to benefit from the wonderful countryside around our lakes. From walking and cycling to angling and watersports, we offer fantastic opportunities for great days out and regular visits for health and well-being, discovering and exploring at lakes across the south west of England.

  • Buy your Permits Online

    Buy your Permits Online

    Buy your permits for South West Lakes' coarse fisheries online

Tag cloud

GiveBack2020

Latest tweet

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])


By "opting in" you are agreeing to receive our monthly e newsletter informing you of our news, events and special offers. For further information please see our Privacy Policy.

Links

  • Contact
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Sitemap
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Login
  • Logout
  • Manager
  • My Details

Registered with Fundraising Regulator badge white out


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.