GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Meldon Reservoir

2.17 miles (3.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy a waterside walk around this lovely reservoir on Dartmoor. The reservoir is surrounded by steep sided banks covered with trees and gorse bushes. There is also a spectacular dam with wonderful views over the West Okement valley. Parking is available at the eastern end of the reservoir but you could walk or cycle to the dam from nearby Okehampton using the Granite Way or the Dartmoor Way. It's a lovely two mile walk from the centre of Okehampton.
Just to the north of the reservoir you will find the impressive Meldon Viaduct.
The 19th century structure is a short walk from the car park at the northern end of the water.
The walk to the highest point in Dartmoor at High Willhays also starts from the reservoir car park.

Postcode

EX20 4LU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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

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

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the Highwayman Inn after your exercise for a great pub experience. The pub is considered England's most unusual inn with a marvellous interior and an interesting mix of ancient artifacts. It dates from the 11th-century and is also said to be haunted! The wonderful inn is located to the west of Meldon Reservoir at Sourton, postcode  EX20 4HN.

Dog Walking

The reservoir and surrounding moorland make for a fine dog walk. There's also some nice woodland trails to the north of the water near the viaduct.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Black A Tor Copse Walk starts from the reservoir car park. It will take you south to visit the noteworthy Black A Tor Copse National Nature Reserve. The wildlife rich reserve is a rare example of high altitude oak woodland and includes some pleasant trails along the West Okemont River.

Photos

Meldon Reservoir 4

Meldon Reservoir 1

Meldon reservoir 2

Meldon reservoir 2

Meldon Reservoir dam - geograph.org.uk - 2438972

A view of the photogenic dam at the north eastern end of the lake.

The West Okement River flowing to Meldon reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 2134558

The West Okement River flowing to Meldon reservoir at the south western end.

West Okement valley - geograph.org.uk - 1439105

West Okement valley. Looking north east from Meldon dam. The Meldon viaduct is visible through the mist in the distance.

Gorse in the West Okement Valley - geograph.org.uk - 2924717

Gorse in the West Okement Valley. Just north east of the site you can enjoy this view towards the viaduct.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

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

Memory Map Route

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