Top 6 Lakes around St. Mabyn

The area around St. Mabyn, particularly on Bodmin Moor, features a variety of lakes including large inland lakes like Colliford Lake, reservoirs such as Siblyback Lake and Crowdy Reservoir, and smaller quarry lakes like the one at Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake. These offer diverse experiences from wildlife watching to watersports.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Colliford Lake is excellent for birdwatching, with species like goldeneye, golden plover, lapwing, snipe, and Great Crested Grebes in winter, and swifts, swallows, and martins in summer. Crowdy Reservoir is known for starling murmurations. Breney Common Nature Reserve, a wetland and heathland site, supports various dragonfly and damselfly species.

Yes, there are several walking opportunities. Colliford Lake offers three signposted walks ranging from one to two miles. Siblyback Lake features a 5km circular trail ideal for walking and cycling. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around St. Mabyn, which include routes like the 'Snail's Pace Cafe – De Lank River Bridge loop'.

Siblyback Lake is a popular spot for watersports, offering kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, with equipment available for hire. In contrast, watersports are not permitted at Colliford Lake, making it a more peaceful area for nature observation.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Anglers can fish from the banks of Colliford Lake with a permit. Siblyback Lake offers brown and rainbow trout fishing. Crowdy Reservoir also provides free fishing. Additionally, Waterside Fisheries Cornwall and East Rose Farm offer private fishing lakes stocked with various fish.

Many lakes are family-friendly. Siblyback Lake has a children's play area and a café, along with a 5km circular trail suitable for walking and cycling. Colliford Lake offers plentiful picnic spots. The Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake allows swimming, fishing, and boating in its disused quarry lake.

While specific dog policies vary by location, many outdoor areas around the lakes on Bodmin Moor are generally dog-friendly, especially on leads. Always check local signage for any restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or areas with livestock, such as around Colliford Lake where ponies roam free.

Siblyback Lake offers a campsite, children's play area, and a café. The Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake features a café called the Gastropod, along with camping and glamping facilities. Colliford Lake has numerous picnic spots.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Summer is ideal for watersports at Siblyback Lake and general outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and birdwatching. Winter can be a good time for spotting specific bird species at Colliford Lake and witnessing starling murmurations at Crowdy Reservoir.

Yes, Siblyback Lake has a 5km circular trail suitable for cycling. For more extensive cycling, you can explore road cycling routes around St. Mabyn, which include routes like the 'Padstow Harbour – Iron Bridge on the Camel Trail loop'.

While the lakes themselves are natural features, the nearby area is rich in history. Port Isaac, a historical fishing village, is a short distance away and known for its quaint charm. Port Quin Cove also has a unique history, known as 'the village that died'.

The disused quarry lake at Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake explicitly allows campers to swim in its waters. For other lakes, always check local regulations and safety guidelines before considering wild swimming, as conditions and permissions can vary.

Colliford Lake is Cornwall's largest inland lake, covering approximately 900 acres. It is particularly noted for its significant wildlife, especially birdwatching, and its peaceful atmosphere as watersports are not permitted. It's also situated within a National Landscape, highlighting its ecological importance.