Top 5 Lakes around Teignbridge

For families, Decoy Lake in Decoy Country Park is an excellent choice. It offers a large play area with seasonal water play features, a BMX track, and woodland walking trails. Stover Country Park, with its accessible paths and visitor centre, is also very family-friendly. While Kennick Reservoir has limited access for non-anglers, nearby Tottiford Reservoir provides public footpaths and grassy banks perfect for picnics.

Yes, both Stover Country Park and Decoy Country Park offer good accessibility. Stover has a 2km accessible path around Stover Lake, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Decoy Country Park also features a Blue Circular Trail around the lake that is suitable for most wheelchairs, along with disabled parking and accessible toilets.

Teignbridge lakes are rich in wildlife. Stover Country Park is a designated SSSI, known for its diverse habitats supporting 19 species of dragonflies and damselflies, water birds, dormice, and kingfishers. Decoy Country Park also boasts significant dragonfly populations, including the red-eyed damselfly, and various waterfowl. At Kennick and Tottiford Reservoirs, you can spot ducks, little egrets, and great white egrets.

Yes, watersports are popular at Decoy Lake in Decoy Country Park, where you can enjoy boating and windsurfing, with lessons often available. For fishing enthusiasts, Kennick Reservoir is renowned as a premier rainbow trout fishery, though waterside access is primarily for anglers. Angling is also permitted at Decoy Lake with a license.

Yes, Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies is a notable historical site. Located near the famous Haytor Rocks, this former quarry offers a glimpse into Dartmoor's industrial past and is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's also situated along the route of the historic granite tramway. Stover Country Park is part of the 18-mile Templer Way, a heritage trail showcasing the history of granite transport.

Both Stover Country Park and Decoy Country Park offer good facilities. Stover has a visitor centre, accessible toilets, picnic areas, and a refreshment van. Decoy provides a pay-and-display car park with disabled parking, toilets, and a refreshment kiosk, in addition to its play areas and sports pitches.

You'll find excellent walking trails around the lakes. Stover Country Park offers a network of surfaced and unsurfaced paths, including an accessible 2km loop around the lake. Decoy Country Park has woodland walking trails and a Blue Circular Trail. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes near the lakes, such as the 'Haytor Quarry & Rocks loop via Haytor's Granite Tramway' or the 'Dawlish Warren nature reserve loop'. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Teignbridge guide.

The lakes in Teignbridge can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife spotting, especially dragonflies and birds, and for enjoying watersports or picnics. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers peaceful, crisp walks. Always check local conditions before visiting.

Many of the country parks and trails around Teignbridge lakes are dog-friendly, though rules regarding leads and specific areas may apply. Stover Country Park and Decoy Country Park generally welcome dogs on leads on their trails. It's always best to check specific park regulations before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience for you and your dog.

Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies is unique for its picturesque scenery, especially the beautiful water lilies that provide excellent photo opportunities. It's also significant for its historical context as a former granite quarry, part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and its connection to the ancient granite tramway and Bronze Age hut circles in the surrounding Dartmoor area.

Beyond the lakes themselves, the Teignbridge area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging routes, such as those in Dartmoor National Park. There are also dedicated running trails. For more details on routes, check out the Hiking around Teignbridge, Running Trails around Teignbridge, and Easy hikes around Teignbridge guides.