Top 5 Lakes around Woodland

The lakes around Woodland offer a diverse landscape. You'll find disused granite quarries, such as Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies, known for its unique flora. Other areas, like Venford Reservoir, are surrounded by beautiful woodland and moorland. You can also experience man-made monuments like Avon Dam Reservoir, which provides panoramic views over moorland settings.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Avon Dam Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering a nice gentle climb along a smooth tarmac service road. Venford Reservoir is also family-friendly, with a flat loop around the reservoir. Additionally, Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, provides a green space with facilities, walking trails, and watersports lessons, making it ideal for family outings.

The area around Woodland's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Fishscale House – The Card House loop' or 'The Golden Lion Statue – The Real Old Library loop'. For hikers, there are routes like 'Welstor Rock – Rippon Tor loop' and 'Ashburton Information Centre – The Card House loop'. Road cycling is also popular, with routes like 'Devon Country Lane – Scenic Road to Hound Tor loop' and 'Venford Reservoir – Hemsworthy Gate loop'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Woodland, Hiking around Woodland, and Road Cycling Routes around Woodland guide pages.

Yes, the lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Venford Reservoir, you can expect to see varied wildlife, as well as sheep and wild ponies. Near Avon Dam Reservoir, cattle, sheep, and Dartmoor ponies can often be seen grazing. Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, is also known for its thriving wildlife habitats and birdwatching opportunities.

Yes, Venford Reservoir is a lovely spot where you can swim in the winding rivers surrounding the reservoir.

The region has a fascinating industrial past. Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies is part of a disused granite quarry, and the area shows evidence of ancient human habitation, including Bronze Age hut circles. The granite from this quarry was historically transported via the granite tramway. Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, also has a history as a former quarry.

Absolutely. Avon Dam Reservoir offers beautiful panoramas of the surrounding moorland. The dam itself provides spectacular views, making it a perfect spot for a rest. Venford Reservoir also offers great views.

Hiking trails near Woodland's lakes vary in difficulty. Many routes, such as those around Ashburton, are rated as 'moderate'. For example, the 'Welstor Rock – Rippon Tor loop' is moderate. There are also 'easy' options available, like the 'View of Haytor loop' from Denbury and Torbryan. You can find more details on the Hiking around Woodland guide page.

Yes, parking is available at some locations. For Venford Reservoir, you can park at the reservoir, though spaces can be hard to come by in the summer. Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, also offers facilities, which typically include parking.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the opportunities for exploration. Many enjoy the tranquil settings, the chance to spot local wildlife like Dartmoor ponies, and the panoramic views from spots like Avon Dam Reservoir. The unique historical aspects, such as the disused quarries and ancient human habitation evidence at Haytor Quarry Pond, also draw interest. The area is well-loved by the komoot community, with over 270 upvotes and more than 100 photos shared.

While popular spots can get busy, exploring areas like Venford Reservoir, which is described as 'hidden amongst the sprawling moorland of Dartmoor National Park,' might offer a more secluded experience, especially outside peak summer times.