Reservoir on Dartmoor that is surrounded by very interesting woods and old mine ruins.

Fernworthy Forest - Dartmoor visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Fernworthy Forest' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Devon.

The 3.5 mile lakeside walk around Fernworthy Reservoir on Dartmoor takes in scenic woodland, ancient fields and fantastic viewpoints across the lake where wading birds forage in the shallows and, at low water, even ruins of an old hump-backed bridge can be seen.

There are traces of Bronze Age encampments and historic sites hidden like treasures along the way. Beautiful indigenous planting blends into discretely managed woodlands which together creates a resourceful habitat for wildlife and a pleasurable environment to stroll around in. A short walk through the ring of conifer trees planted around the lake takes you out onto Moorlands and into ancient oak forests, such as here in the Fernworthy Forest.

Build in 1942 to ensure a supply of fresh Dartmoor water to Torbay, this reservoir area is a hidden gem to visit especially in the summer droughts when the remains of an old farmstead, roads and a bridge are revealed by the low water levels.

OS reference: SX665840

Accessible at several points but recommended to take the signposted small and windy roads south-east from Chagford village off of the B3206, from Easton on the A382.