Top 7 Lakes around St. Day
Lakes around St. Day, a village in Cornwall known for its mining heritage, offer diverse natural landscapes for exploration. While St. Day itself does not feature large natural lakes, it serves as a central point for accessing several notable water bodies in the surrounding Cornish countryside. These locations provide opportunities for various outdoor activities and appreciation of the region's natural beauty. The area's geology, shaped by ancient mining and quarrying, contributes to its unique character.
Best lakes around St. Day
…Last updated: June 30, 2026
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
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Basset's Cove
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Portreath Harbour and Beach
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Stithians Reservoir Dam
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Ralph's Cupboard
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Breathtaking views. Especially when combined with the blooming heather!
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Worth climb to the cairn for the downhill section on the main access road. Then drop into single track round the back lanes of Carharrack. Sweet! :)
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Great view from the dam across the reservoir towards Carn Menellis
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Portreath is a a small coastal village with a very narrow harbour and sandy beach. Rather than fish, this port was used to import Welsh coal and export copper. The original loading ramp can still be seen and given the narrowness of the harbour, navigating it must have been very difficult and dangerous. There are several cafes and shops in Portreath if you are in need of refuelling and/or rehydrating.
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The 7.3 km long circular route takes you back to a time when Cornwall was covered by sea and then became a Europe-wide mountain range. The sedimentary rocks of this area around Portreath were deposited in a deep marine environment during the Devonian age (ca. 393 - 373 million years): Greywacken: Gray rock with fine to coarse grains (0.3 - 2 mm; 0.01 - 0.08 inch), consisting of quartz, feldspars and fragments of foreign rocks. In some cases, shiny/shimmering components can be seen (mica), the rocks form layers and banks. Siltstones: Light gray rock with fine grains (<0.063 mm; <0.002 inch) that are not visible to the naked eye. Layers can be recognized based on the color difference. Slate: Gray to black, sometimes slightly red to greenish colored rocks with very fine grains (<0.02 mm, <0.001 inch), the rocks appear foliated with very thin layers, often alternating with greywackes. The originally horizontal sedimentary layers of Cornwall were tectonically overprinted around 323 - 299 million years ago during the Variscan orogeny (mountain formation). During this time, the southern major continent Gondwana collided with the northern major continents Laurentia and Baltica as well as smaller continent fragments (terranes) such as Avalonia and Amorica. The orogeny ended approximately 270 million years ago with the formation of the supercontinent Pangea. Due to the pressure from the south, the sedimentary rocks were compressed, folded and internally transformed under increasing temperatures. This is how slates emerged from the original claystones. There are no deposits in the area for the period between the formation of the Devonian rocks until 3 million years ago. During the Ice Age 3 million years ago, the region of modern-day Cornwall lay in a tundra area south of the glaciers that covered the Northern Hemisphere. Periglacial deposits from this period can be observed on the cliffs.
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To the west of this bay, a rock wall protrudes into the bay and divides it. This wall is the result of long-term erosion, which led to the collapse of a former cave. The name Ralph’s Cupboard comes from a legend that the giant Ralph lived in this bay. This giant attacked the incoming ships and stored the recovered treasures in the cave, his closet. The eastern side of the bay shows a typical cliff with dark gray shales and greywackes at the lower end and periglacial deposits at the upper part of the cliff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore near St. Day?
Beyond traditional lakes, the area offers diverse water features. You can visit Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a former granite quarry now flooded, offering incredible views from Carn Marth. Another geological highlight is Basset's Cove, a coastal area with sedimentary rocks from the Devonian age, providing insights into Cornwall's ancient geological history.
Are there any lakes suitable for watersports near St. Day?
Yes, Stithians Lake is particularly popular for watersports. The Stithians Lake Watersports Centre offers activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and eFoiling. Siblyback Lake also provides opportunities for active visitors, with kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available for hire.
Where can I find family-friendly lakes or water areas around St. Day?
Tehidy Country Park, though not a lake itself, features a lake within its extensive woodland, offering over 9 miles of paths, a cafe, and picnic areas, making it ideal for family outings. Stithians Lake is also a great setting for family adventures, with a 5-mile walk around its circumference. Siblyback Lake is another excellent choice for family days out, offering camping and watersport rentals.
What historical or industrial heritage sites are connected to the lakes in this region?
The region has a rich mining and industrial past. Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool is a former granite quarry, part of a landscape littered with disused mining works. Kennall Vale, a nature reserve, is known for its fascinating remnants of a gunpowder factory, with old granite ruins throughout the woods. The Stithians Reservoir Dam itself is a man-made monument, constructed in the 1960s, which created Stithians Reservoir by flooding a valley.
Are there good options for walking or hiking around the lakes?
Absolutely. Stithians Lake offers a wonderful 5-mile walk around its circumference, perfect for enjoying wildflowers and birdlife. Colliford Lake, Cornwall's largest inland lake, provides three signposted walks ranging from 1 to 2 miles. For more extensive hiking, you can explore various routes around St. Day, including those near the lakes. Find more options on the Hiking around St. Day guide.
Which lakes are best for wildlife watching or birdlife?
Colliford Lake, situated in the heart of Bodmin Moor, is known for wildlife watching and is an important ecological habitat, particularly for migratory birds. Stithians Lake also offers opportunities for bird watching along its 5-mile perimeter walk.
Can I go fishing in any of the lakes near St. Day?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several lakes. Colliford Lake permits fishing with a license. Siblyback Lake is stocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, making it a good spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes for all abilities?
Tehidy Country Park offers more than 9 miles of paths and trails suitable for various abilities. Many of the trails around St. Day, including those that pass by water features, are considered easy. You can find several easy hiking loops, such as those around Gwennap Pit and Carn Marth Quarry Pool, on the Easy hikes around St. Day guide.
What are the options for mountain biking near the lakes?
While not directly on the lakes, the area around St. Day offers several mountain biking trails that can be combined with lake visits. For example, there are routes like the Carnon Viaduct – Carn Marth Quarry Pool loop. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around St. Day guide.
Are there any lakes near St. Day that are good for stargazing?
Siblyback Lake is located within Bodmin Moor's Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent location for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water features near St. Day?
Visitors particularly appreciate the incredible views from places like Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, often noting the chance for a swim. The geological interest of sites like Basset's Cove and the diverse activities available at Stithians Reservoir, from watersports to bird watching, are also highly valued.
Are the lakes near St. Day dog-friendly?
Many of the outdoor areas and trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. Tehidy Country Park, for instance, is a popular spot for dog walking. It's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife, and to check specific regulations for each location.
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