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Roadford Lake

9.32 miles (15 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This beautiful 730 acre lake and country park in Dartmoor is perfect for a waterside cycle or walk. The route starts at the car park by the lakeside cafe and then takes you around the lake on quiet country lanes.
There are also two way-marked cycle trails starting near the cafe/visitor centre. The green trail is an easy ride through the woodland and as ideal for families. The blue trail is more adventurous and will suit anyone looking for a fun off road trail.
For walkers there are 5 way-marked trails taking you to the cob shelter, bird hide and Jubilee Sundial. Look out for a wide variety of wildlife in the woodland and on the lake.

Postcode

PL16 0JL - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Roadford Lake OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Roadford Lake Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the southern end of the lake there's an on site cafe selling light lunches, drinks, cakes and ice creams. You can sit outside an enjoy a fine view over the lake with your refreshment. There is also a gift shop offering a variety of gifts, local produce, home and garden ware. 

Dog Walking

The lake is a fine place for a dog walk though you are asked to keep them on leads due to the wildlife. There is an enclosed dog exercise area in the main car park where dogs can run around off-lead though.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Two Castles Trail can be picked up a couple of miles south of the lake. This waymarked trail is a great way of exploring the countryside around Launceston and Lydford.
Head north and there's lots of trails to follow around Cookworthy Forest near Holsworthy. Just beyond the town there's more waterside walking around the lovely Tamar Lakes.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Car park, Roadford Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 248109

Car park, Roadford Reservoir. Picnic tables at the oval-shaped car park on the east side of the lake, which can be glimpsed on the right.

Roadford Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 248659

The reservoir seen from the bridge across the River Wolf as it enters the lake. On the left is the "island", and to this side of it are the remains of a submerged field boundary. The reservoir level was at 50% when this was taken.

Roadford Reservoir from bird hide - geograph.org.uk - 247245

Roadford Reservoir from bird hide. A view down the lake from the bird hide near Southweek. The low level of water is emphasised by the fact that the promontory on the right should be a small island. On the far side, beyond the Toft peninsula, are fields at Grinacombe.

Roadford Lake Visitors' Centre - geograph.org.uk - 425840

Roadford Lake Visitors' Centre. This cafe overlooking the reservoir has recently been extended to provide additional space for an interpretation centre and a conference room.

Roadford Lake Watersports Centre - geograph.org.uk - 425895

Roadford Lake Watersports Centre. Before the lake was created in 1990 this was Lower Goodacre Farm. It is now run by South West Lakes Trust as a watersports centre. You can try out activities such as kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding here.

Diamond Jubilee sundial by Roadford Lake - geograph.org.uk - 5011186

Diamond Jubilee sundial

Boardwalk on a hiking trail around Roadford Lake - geograph.org.uk - 5015580

Boardwalk on a hiking trail around Roadford Lake

Moor's Mill - geograph.org.uk - 247292

Moor's Mill. No longer a mill, but still inhabited, in spite of a remote location near the head of an arm of Roadford Reservoir. The buildings were formerly thatched.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

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

Memory Map Route

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