SW Lakes.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2023 10:51 Page 1
TRAVEL
Explore the lakes of the south west
Whether your passion is watersports, angling, walking, cycling or simply enjoying nature with loved ones, you’ll find the perfect escape at South West Lakes’ picturesque locations in Cornwall, Devon and on Exmoor this spring
B
ook your spring getaway now at one of South West Lakes’ five lakeside campsites. Choose between the majestic Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor (a two-hour drive from Bath) and the idyllic Roadford Lake on the edge of Dartmoor or experience a different view of Cornwall at Tamar Lakes near Bude, Siblyback Lake near Liskeard or Stithians Lake near Redruth. With footpaths and cycle trails to explore, woodlands to discover and play areas to enjoy, everyone can get involved and benefit from being outdoors. It’s your outdoors – come and explore!
Photograph by GRW Photography
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, this 530-acre lake has something for the whole family to enjoy. The family-friendly campsite has five bell tents, two wooden camping pods and a cabin as well as a choice of hard standings, electric and non-electric pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. You can hire a fire pit, purchase wood and charcoal made onsite, rent a telescope and discover why Exmoor National Park is a designated Dark Skies Reserve. Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn something new with the friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Tackle the high ropes course or hit the bullseye on the archery range. You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school Easter, May half term, summer and October half term holidays. Explore Exmoor and walk to Haddon Hill from Wimbleball. Look out for the range of wildlife at the lake, such as the iconic Exmoor ponies and deer. The closest town to Wimbleball is Dulverton but it’s also worth venturing slightly further to explore the popular towns and villages of Tiverton, Porlock, Minehead, Watchet, Wiviliscombe, Taunton and Wellington. The campsite opens on 1 March.
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor.
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Roadford Lake, Devon Surrounded by countryside, and nestled amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Wolf Valley with the dramatic tors of Dartmoor as its backdrop, Roadford is the perfect location for your next family escape. The scenic campsite offers a choice of spacious electric and non-electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as a fantastic bell tent called Bertie. A new play area opened last year, next to Roadford Lake Café. Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn to kayak, canoe, paddleboard or sail with the activities team. You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school May half term and summer holidays as well as at weekends in June and July. Roadford is also one of the best brown trout fisheries in the UK, with 700 acres of fishing to explore by boat or bank. Roadford is the perfect base to explore the spectacular Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy a day trip out and discover some more of South West Lakes’ Dartmoor sites including Burrator, Fernworthy, Meldon, Avon Dam, Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford. Within easy reach of Roadford are the historic towns of Launceston and Okehampton and some of the best beaches in Devon and Cornwall are less than an hour away. Campsite opens 10 February. Siblyback Lake, Cornwall With the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, a designated International Dark Sky Landscape, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Right next to the lake the small campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches for tents and motorhomes. Watersports equipment hire and self-launch is available when the Activity Centre opens in May. Stithians is also renowned for its fly fishing. It is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and home to a