Top 4 Lakes around Perranzabuloe

The region offers diverse natural features. You can visit Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool, a former granite quarry now flooded, offering extensive views. Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake, is separated from the sea by a significant shingle bank called Loe Bar and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Stithians Lake features a nature reserve and bird hides. Additionally, Holywell Bay Beach and Gull Rocks is a notable natural monument with a long sandy beach and distinctive rock formations.

Yes, there are several excellent walking opportunities. Stithians Lake offers a well-maintained five-mile circular walking and cycling trail. Loe Pool is encircled by a seven-mile footpath that takes you through woodlands, marshland, and along Loe Bar. The area around Carn Marth is also popular for hiking, providing great views over the Cornish countryside. For more extensive walking options, you can explore the various running trails available in the wider Perranzabuloe area.

Stithians Lake is a hub for watersports, offering sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wing foiling, and eFoiling, with equipment hire and instructor-led sessions available. However, it's important to note that swimming, boating, and watersports are not permitted in Loe Pool due to dangerous currents and thick weeds.

Stithians Lake is ideal for families, featuring a children's play area, a cafe, and a wide range of watersports suitable for various ages. The five-mile circular trail is also great for family walks or cycling. Holywell Bay Beach is also considered family-friendly, offering a long sandy beach.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Stithians Lake is a popular spot for fly-fishing for rainbow and brown trout. For coarse and carp angling, you can visit local fishing lakes near Perranporth such as Mayfly Lake (accessible to guests of Perran Springs Holiday Park) and Gwinear Pools Fishery, which features four stocked lakes.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June-August) is excellent for watersports at Stithians Lake and enjoying the beaches. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and birdwatching, particularly at Loe Pool, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse wildlife, including nearly eighty species of overwintering birds.

The area around Carn Marth has a rich history of mining and quarrying, with disused mining works scattered across the landscape. Loe Pool is steeped in local folklore, with some legends suggesting it is the resting place of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur. Additionally, Holywell Bay Beach is well-known from the television series Poldark.

Many outdoor areas in Cornwall are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific regulations for each location. The circular trail at Stithians Lake and the footpath around Loe Pool are generally popular with dog walkers, but dogs may need to be kept on a lead, especially in nature reserve areas or near livestock. Always clean up after your dog.

Loe Pool is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, particularly known for nearly eighty species of overwintering birds. Stithians Lake also features a nature reserve and bird hides, offering opportunities to observe local birdlife and other wildlife in its surrounding moorland and farmland.

Yes, Stithians Lake features a cafe serving local produce, as well as a children's play area and an AA-graded campsite. Newquay Harbour, while not a lake, is nearby and offers cafes and local seafood spots. For other lakes, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments or check for nearby village amenities.

Beyond walking and watersports, the wider Perranzabuloe area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, such as those found in the MTB Trails around Perranzabuloe guide. There are also gravel biking routes, including challenging rides like the Carnon Viaduct to Devoran Quay loop, detailed in the Gravel biking around Perranzabuloe guide.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from viewpoints like Carn Marth. The opportunity for a refreshing swim in places like Hick's Quarry Pool is also a highlight for some. The distinctive Gull Rocks at Holywell Bay Beach are often mentioned as a great backdrop for photos. Many appreciate the peaceful picnic spots, such as those found along Cowlands Creek.