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Kennick Reservoir

3.42 miles (5.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk visits Kennick Reservoir and its surrounding woodlands, in the Dartmoor National Park.
You can start the walk from the car park at the southern end of the water. Trails then head east along reservoir before heading into the Clampitt Plantation. Woodland trails then take you to the northern end of the water, where there are more nice waterside trails. It's a very pretty and peaceful area with the still waters of the reservoir surrounded by attractive pine woodland.
Just to the south you will find Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoir. There's more nice trails to try here with a variety of birdlife on the reservoir and beautiful rhododendrons around the water in the summer months. You could also head to the nearby Canonteign Falls where you'll find lakes, a wooded valley and a spectacular waterfall.

Postcode

EX6 7NZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Kennick Reservoir OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Kennick Reservoir Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Just a couple of miles north east of the lake there's the Bridford Inn. The historic pub dates all the way back to the 17th century and includes a charming old interior with stone walls, beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplace. Outside there's a lovely garden area with excellent views over the surrounding hills. The Bidford frequently appears in the GBG and was South Devon Pub of the Year in 2015 and 2018. They serve a great Sunday lunch and can be found in the little village of Bidford at postcode EX6 7HT for your sat navs. There's also a village shop where you can stock up on supplies.

Dog Walking

The woodland and waterside trails are ideal for dog walking. The Bidford Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

A few miles east of the reservoir you'll find the expansive Haldon Forest Park. There's miles of waymarked walking trails and mountain biking trails to be found here. The site includes the popular Mamhead Sensory Trail where you can enjoy some fine views over the Exe Estuary. At the northern end of the forest you will find Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle). The site is used as wedding venue but is also open to the public on certain days. The fine looking castle dates from 1788 and is surrounded by some the lovely grounds and gardens. See the Doddiscombsleigh Walk for more details.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Dartmoor Walks and Devon Walks pages.

Photos

Kennick Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1228500

Kennick Reservoir in early spring. The southern end of the reservoir, where it reaches its broadest point, is in SX8083, but most of the water lies in SX8084, as do the features on the left half of the far bank, where quite formal landscaping has taken place.

Kennick Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1228486

This premier Dartmoor water is frequently stocked with rainbow trout up to 8lb. Access is restricted to anglers only. The modern reception hut mentioned is on the left.

Kennick Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1212526

Picture taken from just outside the Trout Fishery reception hut. You can have a fantastic picnic view and fish at the same time!

Bridleway in Clampitt Plantation - geograph.org.uk - 580190

Bridleway in Clampitt Plantation. This part of the wood is an area of deciduous trees of mixed ages, in contrast to the conifers that predominate in the rest. Christow Bridleway 25 curves towards the heart of it.

Kennick Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 2997179

Southern end of the lake on a fine spring day.

Kennick Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 2172118

Walkway at the northern end.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Kennick Reservoir.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Kennick Reservoir.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)