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. Car parking is just £2 for two hours, and £3 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 Wistlandpound Reservoir

Situated in the hills of Devon and Exmoor, and close to the North Devon coast, Wistlandpound Reservoir is a beautiful location to enjoy a family walk in peaceful woodlands. There are two main paths that wind around the perimeter of the lake and through the surrounding deep alpine green spruce plantations. The lower path is an easy, flat and very accessible route. The upper path takes you through Forestry Commission land and is slightly less even underfoot (and sometimes muddy), but it remains flat. This is a great place to pull on your wellington boots, splash in the puddles and breathe in the fresh air.

Wheelchair and pushchair accessible paths have been created around the reservoir, to allow people of all abilities to enjoy being outdoors. These were funded by the Discover Wistlandpound Project (DWP), a joint project between South West Lakes Trust, The Calvert Trust Exmoor and Forestry Commission Enterprises.

Wildlife at Wistlandpound Reservoir

If you enjoy a spot of birdwatching, or simply enjoy nature in all its forms, come and spend a day amongst the wildlife, relishing all it has to offer. An established nature reserve, Wistlandpound boasts a small area of species rich grassland where orchids grow. Look out for bright purple rosebay willowherb in the spring too! This is an ideal place for children to engage with nature and head out on an expedition to spot minibeasts. There is even a bird hide, which provides an ideal stopping point for watching wildfowl and wading birds; you might even spot a great white egret over the winter period! A pergoda takes you right up to the water’s edge, where you might see waterfowl, coots and mallards on and around the lake.

Please note that there are no facilities at this lake, so bring along a picnic! 

Fishing at Wistlandpound Reservoir

Fishing for brown trout is available at Wistlandpound, and is a favourite reservoir for the angler seeking a more natural and wild environment. Find out more here.

Fly-fishing season is 15 March- 12 October.

The Calvert Trust has a centre nearby from which it organises adventure holidays for less able people and their carers, including watersports on the lake. People wishing to take a holiday or day course can contact them on 01598 763221.

The reservoir was built in 1956 and supplies fresh drinking water to Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. The 40 acre lake holds up to 1,550 megalitres (341 million gallons) when full and is 22 metres deep in places. When water levels are low, you may be able to glimpse part of the Lynton and Barnstaple railway, which ran through the valley before it was flooded.

 Address: Wistlandpound Reservoir, near Blackmoor Gate, Devon. EX31 4SJ