Top 7 Lakes around Wedmore
Lakes around Wedmore are primarily found within the Somerset Levels, an area characterized by its wetlands and natural reserves. The village itself is situated in Somerset, England, and is known for its rural landscape. The region offers opportunities to explore diverse aquatic environments, ranging from managed fisheries to nature reserves with significant wildlife.
Best lakes around Wedmore
- The most popular lakes is Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, a trail that crosses the Avalon marshes. This path is known for its good surface of fine, hard-packed gravel and is part of national cycle route 3. It is a popular location for bird watchers, especially for starling murmurations before dusk.
- Another must-see spot is Rickford Chapel and Pond, a historical site. This location features a 19th-century Grade II listed Methodist chapel situated on the edge of Rickford Pond. The pond historically fed local mills.
- Visitors also love Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk, an urban park and wildlife center. This park was developed on a former clay pit site and includes a lake, an outdoor gym, and diverse birdlife. It offers a gravel path suitable for various abilities.
- Wedmore is known for nature reserve lakes, historical ponds, and urban park lakes. These provide a variety of settings for walking and observing wildlife.
- The lakes around Wedmore are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 40 photos shared.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail
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Cheddar Reservoir
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Rickford Chapel and Pond
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Rickford Pond used to feed a paper mill and flour mill which were both built in the 18th century. The paper mill produced handmade paper until 1895 and the flour mill was unfortunately destroyed by fire.
It's on the main road so take care if stopping.
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Somerset Levels Wetlands
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Ham Wall Nature Reserve
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Whilst strolling around the reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local residents, including otters, water voles, marsh harriers, and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies. The reserve is a perfect place to unwind and relax and a must-see if in the area.
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Tips from the Community
Great Birds to keep an eye out for! Parking £5 several short loops and lots of places to rest/sit.
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awesome hidden pump track is really worth the journey guys
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Ham Wall Nature reserve is an important wetland reserve just outside of Glastonbury in Somerset that hosts a wide variety of habitats and wildlife. Whilst strolling around the reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local residents, including otters, water voles, marsh harriers, and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies. The reserve is a perfect place to unwind and relax and a must-see if in the area.
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An excellent route with all tarmac roads (apart from one very small minor main road section), rest all small side roads with very little car traffic. A number of pubs and eating places along the way, especially Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore - seems a favourite for cyclists. Good route for spotting wetland wildlife - especially Egrets and Swans.
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A protected conservation site for wildlife managed by Bristol Water. Dating from the 1930s, Cheddar Reservoir has a capacity of 135 million gallons. The reservoir is supplied with water taken from the Cheddar Yeo river in Cheddar Gorge. It Panoramic views of the Somerset levels and Mendip Hills. Wildlife consists of Swans and various wildfowl, also visiting cormorants out for a spot of fishing. Very accessible walking route right around the edge of the lake.
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Stunning Swiss-style chocolate box chapel on the edge of pond, built in 1888. Well worth stopping but mind the traffic - it's on a national speed limit road.
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Really enjoyed this tranquil bike path. Plenty of places to stop, have a break and check out the wildlife. Everyone seemed so happy to be there; definitely a good place for a family ride.
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Rickford Chapel is a 19th century "Swiss style" Grade II listed Methodist chapel built in 1888 which sits on the edge of Rickford Pond. Rickford Pond used to feed a paper mill and flour mill which were both built in the 18th century. The paper mill produced handmade paper until 1895 and the flour mill was unfortunately destroyed by fire. It's on the main road so take care if stopping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water features can I explore around Wedmore?
Around Wedmore, you'll find a variety of aquatic environments. These include managed fisheries like Lands End Fishery, nature reserves with significant wildlife such as Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, historical ponds like Rickford Chapel and Pond, and urban park lakes at Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk. The region is part of the Somerset Levels, known for its wetlands.
Are there good walking routes around the lakes near Wedmore?
Yes, there are several excellent walking routes. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail offers a fantastic gravel path across the Avalon marshes, popular with walkers and bird watchers. Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk also provides a gravel path suitable for various abilities around its lake. For more options, you can explore easy hiking routes around Wedmore.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Wedmore's lakes?
The lakes and wetlands around Wedmore are rich in wildlife. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is particularly known for bird watching, especially for spectacular starling murmurations before dusk. The wider Somerset Levels Wetlands are home to diverse wetland wildlife, including Egrets and Swans. Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk also features diverse birdlife.
Are there historical sites near the lakes in Wedmore?
Yes, Rickford Chapel and Pond is a notable historical site. This 19th-century Grade II listed Methodist chapel, built in a 'Swiss style', sits on the edge of Rickford Pond, which historically fed local mills.
Are the lake areas around Wedmore suitable for families?
Many areas are family-friendly. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail, Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, and Somerset Levels Wetlands are all listed as family-friendly. Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk is an urban park with facilities and an outdoor gym, making it great for families.
Are there any wheelchair accessible paths around lakes near Wedmore?
Yes, Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk in Highbridge offers a gravel path suitable for various abilities, including wheelchair users. It was created on a former clay pit site and provides a link between Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea.
Can I go fishing near Wedmore?
Yes, Wedmore is home to Lands End Fishery, a significant attraction for anglers. Located in Heath House, it features four heavily stocked lakes with a variety of fish species, including carp, perch, and eels. It's known for providing an 'ultimate fishing experience' for both match and specimen anglers.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Wedmore?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. For bird watchers, visiting Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail just before dusk is ideal to witness starling murmurations. Lands End Fishery is also accessible year-round due to its location on the Somerset Levels not prone to flooding.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Wedmore?
Yes, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is part of National Cycle Route 3, offering a good surface of fine, hard-packed gravel. You can find more cycling options, including gravel biking routes, by exploring gravel biking around Wedmore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Wedmore?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the excellent compacted gravel surfaces for walking and cycling, the opportunities for bird watching, especially the starling murmurations at Shapwick Heath, and the overall peaceful enjoyment of nature. The historical significance of sites like Rickford Chapel and Pond also adds to the appeal.
Are there cafes or facilities available near the lake walks?
Yes, Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk offers various facilities, including an outdoor gym and disabled toilets. Lands End Fishery also provides practical amenities such as parking, a cafe, and disabled toilets. Additionally, Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore is a popular spot for cyclists and walkers in the area.
Can I find running trails near the lakes around Wedmore?
Absolutely. The region offers several running trails that incorporate water features and scenic views. You can explore various options by checking out the running trails around Wedmore guide.
Most popular routes around Wedmore
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