Top 4 Lakes around Newton Abbot

Among the most popular lakes are Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, known for its wildlife habitats and activities, and Kennick Reservoir, which is highly regarded for birdwatching. Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies is also a unique spot, recognized as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Yes, Decoy Country Park Lake is particularly family-friendly, offering a large children's play area with a seasonal water feature, a BMX track, and picnic spots. Stover Country Park Lake also provides accessible paths and a Nature Interpretation Centre, making it suitable for families.

Stover Country Park Lake features a 2km circular path that is surfaced and mostly level, making it accessible for disabled visitors, wheelchairs, and pushchairs. Decoy Country Park Lake also has a main walk around the lake that is relatively flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, especially when walked clockwise.

Stover Country Park Lake is a haven for diverse wildlife, including water birds like Goosanders and Mandarin Ducks in winter, and 19 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Decoy Country Park Lake also supports rich wildlife within its ponds and woodlands. Kennick Reservoir is noted for birdwatching, with sightings of little egrets and great white egrets.

Yes, fishing is available at several locations. Venford Reservoir offers free wilderness brown trout fishing from the bank with a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence. Decoy Country Park Lake also offers fishing opportunities with a permit. Additionally, Sawmills Lake and Abbrook Pond near Kingsteignton are popular for coarse fishing.

Many lakes in the area offer walking trails. Stover Country Park has a 2km circular path around its lake. Venford Reservoir features a scenic footpath just over a mile long. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes, such as the 'Stover Lake loop from Teigngrace' which is an easy hike. You can find more hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Newton Abbot guide.

Decoy Country Park Lake offers a variety of activities including water sports lessons, woodland walking trails, birdwatching, and fishing (with a permit). The park also features a large children's play area, a BMX race track, dirt jumps, sports pitches, and picnic areas.

While specific lake paths may vary, the wider Newton Abbot area offers cycling opportunities. For example, the 'Wray Valley and Dartmoor Cycle Loop' is a challenging route, and there are various gravel biking trails. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Newton Abbot guide and the Gravel biking around Newton Abbot guide.

Stover Country Park Lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with diverse habitats. It features an Aerial Walkway for tree-top views, a Nature Interpretation Centre, and the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail with sixteen poetry posts. The 18-mile Templer Way also passes through the park.

Decoy Country Park has a refreshment kiosk available for visitors. While Stover Country Park doesn't have a dedicated cafe, it's a popular spot for picnicking. For other lakes, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments or check for nearby establishments in surrounding towns.

The Dartmoor Reservoirs, including Burrator, Kennick, Tottiford, Trenchford, Fernworthy, and Meldon, are managed by the South West Lakes Trust. They offer opportunities for strolling, nature watching, and adventurous activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Many have well-maintained footpaths, and Kennick Reservoir is particularly known for birdwatching.

Many of the country parks and open spaces around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park rules regarding leash requirements and restricted areas. Stover Country Park and Decoy Country Park are generally welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept under control.