GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Tamar Lakes

4 miles (6.6 km)

These two pretty reservoirs sit on the border of Cornwall and Devon. The area is popular with water sports enthusiasts with activities including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
There's also some nice waterside footpaths for walkers to try. You can park at the Lower Tamar Lake and then head north along the River Tamar to the Upper Lake. Then follow a circular path around the upper lake before returning to the car park. There's nice views across the water to some attractive surrounding countryside as you go. You can also look out for various water loving birds from the on site hide at the lower lake.

Postcode

EX23 9SB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Tamar Lakes OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Tamar Lakes Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a nice cafe at the upper lake activity centre where you can enjoy some post walk refreshment.

Dog Walking

The lakeside paths make for a fine dog walk though you are asked to keep them on leads.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your waterside walking in the area head south to visit the expansive Roadford Lake.
You could also enjoy a walk to the old railway viaducts in the nearby town of Holsworthy.
The Tamara Coast To Coast Way passes the lakes. The 89 mile route runs from Cremyll in south Cornwall to Morwenstow on the northern coast.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.

Photos

Tamar Lake - geograph.org.uk - 407281

Lake viewed from the footpath and track to the west of the lake.

Dam on Upper Tamar Lake - geograph.org.uk - 410130

View from the upper lake dam

Upper Tamar Lake dam - geograph.org.uk - 914786

Upper Tamar Lake dam. From the car park looking north-east. A couple of wind-surfers on the lake.

Bird hide, Lower Tamar Lake - geograph.org.uk - 404739

Bird hide, Lower Tamar Lake. These lakes originally provided water for the Bude Canal, and provide drinking water for Bude. The Lower Lake is predominantly managed as a nature reserve as it is popular with many wildfowl, and the bird hide is open to the public. 

Outflow from the Upper Tamar Lake - geograph.org.uk - 914825

Outflow from the Upper Lake. Looking downstream from the dam with the Lower Lake in the distance.

Lower Tamar Lake spillway - geograph.org.uk - 914820

Lower Lake spillway

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Tamar Lakes.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Tamar Lakes.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)