Burrator, near Yelverton, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6PE
Burrator Reservoir
Reservoir
Source image
6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours for the reservoir circuit
Time
Donation
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A Dartmoor reservoir where wooded shores meet open moorland and granite tors. The circular circuit is an easy-going way to take in the water, while paths lead into a much older landscape of abandoned farms, tin-working remains and prehistoric sites.
Burrator is more than a reservoir circuit: mixed woodland, a wetland nature reserve, a waterfall fed by the historic Devonport Leat and traces of past settlement all sit beneath Dartmoor’s open moor and tors. It offers a substantial landscape experience without requiring a long hike.
Peaceful · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapBurrator, near Yelverton, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6PE
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The experience
Walk the reservoir circuit, explore the Arboretum’s accessible wildlife trail, or use Burrator as a starting point for moorland paths and local heritage discoveries. Fishing is available with a permit. Swimming or paddling permission is not established by the supplied sources.
Things to do
Walk the reservoir circuit
Follow the circular route around the water for a straightforward walk through the contrast of mixed woodland, open moor and Dartmoor tors. One source gives the circuit as about 3.5 miles and 1.5–2 hours.
1.5–2 hours
Follow the Arboretum wildlife trail
Explore the easy-access 1.5 km trail, described by South West Lakes Trust as suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Visit the Discovery Centre
See displays and films about Burrator’s history and environment. Opening is subject to volunteer availability; contact the Trust before making a special journey.
Look for the Devonport Leat waterfall
The Trust describes water from the historic Devonport Leat cascading down the valley to Burrator. Look for it while exploring the local paths.
Explore Burrator’s historic landscape
The wider area contains remains associated with abandoned farms, tin working and the Princetown Railway, as well as cists, cairns and prehistoric settlements. Use a current map or a self-guided leaflet to locate features.
Fish for trout
Rainbow trout fishing is available from bank or boat according to South West Lakes Trust. A permit is required; check current options and rules before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow time for the 1.5 km trail; exact duration not stated.
Quick escape: Arboretum wildlife trail
- 01
Start at the Arboretum car park.
- 02
Follow the easy-access wildlife trail through the Arboretum.
- 03
Look and listen for woodland birds and seasonal flowers.
Half day · Around 1.5–2 hours for the reservoir circuit, plus time at the Discovery Centre.
Make a half day of it: Burrator circuit and Discovery Centre
- 01
Park at one of the listed car parks, checking current arrangements.
- 02
Walk the approximately 3.5-mile circular route around the reservoir; allow 1.5–2 hours.
- 03
Visit the Discovery Centre if open, and use its maps or self-guided walk leaflets to explore local history.
Full Wildland day · Half day or longer; no complete route duration supplied.
Explore further: water, moorland and historic traces
- 01
Begin with a walk at Burrator, choosing a route that suits conditions and ability.
- 02
Explore the wider paths and moorland, with views towards Sheepstor.
- 03
Look for remains associated with abandoned farms, tin working and the Princetown Railway; consult a current map or Discovery Centre leaflet for route details.
Verified history
Burrator is a reservoir within a landscape with a longer human history. South West Lakes Trust describes the remains of abandoned farms, tin working and the Princetown Railway, along with cists, cairns and prehistoric settlements. Its Discovery Centre covers the reservoir’s construction and the later raising of its dams. The supplied sources do not give dates for these individual works or archaeological features.
Hidden details
Traces beyond the reservoir shore — The wider Burrator landscape includes abandoned farm remains, evidence of tin working and the remnants of the Princetown Railway. Ask at the Discovery Centre about locations and route leaflets; opening is subject to volunteer availability.
A leat’s final cascade — The historic Devonport Leat cascades down the valley and finishes at Burrator, a detail easy to miss if the visit focuses only on the reservoir circuit.
When to go
April · May · June · September · October · A clear, calm morning is a good choice for quieter paths and views; check conditions before travelling.
The Trust lists spring flowers including bluebells, primroses and daffodils, and autumn woodland colour is noted by visitor information. Burrator is described as a year-round destination.
Dartmoor weather can change. After rain, some paths may be muddy or slippery; check local conditions and choose a route appropriate to the day.
The route
- surface
- Varies; visitor reports mention muddy and slippery sections after wet weather. Some sections follow lanes.
- distance
- Approximately 3.5 miles for the reservoir circuit, as reported by Tripadvisor.
- duration
- About 1.5–2 hours for the reservoir circuit.
- difficulty
- Described as easy-going and flat; conditions may vary.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Choose a starting point at Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge or the dam; confirm current access and parking.
- parking start
- Parking is reported at Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the dam; the Trust also lists an Arboretum car park.
- shorter alternative
- The 1.5 km easy-access Arboretum wildlife trail is a separate shorter option.
- Reservoir views
- Mixed woodland and open moorland
- Dartmoor tors
- Possible extension to heritage remains
Worth pairing with
Burrator moorland paths and Sheepstor
Extend a reservoir visit onto the surrounding moorland, with Sheepstor identified by the Trust as a prominent tor and viewpoint above Burrator. Check maps and conditions before choosing a route.
Buckland Abbey
A separate heritage visit near Yelverton: the supplied visitor guide describes the former abbey, its connection with Sir Francis Drake, museum and gardens. Check current opening and access details.
The Garden House
The supplied visitor guide describes a garden in Buckland Monachorum with seasonal planting and a tearoom. Check current opening and facilities before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the waterfall where the historic Devonport Leat reaches Burrator, the contrast between wooded shores and open moor, and traces of abandoned farms, tin working, the old railway and prehistoric settlements. Wildlife mentioned by the site includes nuthatches, robins, tits and horseshoe bats
- 02
seasonal flowers include bluebells, primroses and ferns.
The story
Archaeology, Industry
Best time to go
All year; spring and autumn offer seasonal interest in woodland and wildlife, while clear weather can make the views across the water and moor especially rewarding.
Choose a clear, calm morning for quieter paths and views across the water. After wet weather, check conditions: some paths may be muddy or slippery.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the reservoir circuit; half day or longer to explore the wider paths and heritage sites.
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Practical information
Opening & access
Burrator Reservoir and its surrounding paths are described as visitor destinations. Access to individual paths and conditions may vary; check current information before visiting. Mobile reception is limited in parts of the area.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is listed at Quarry, Norsworthy Bridge and Arboretum car parks. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Public toilets at the main dam are reported open seven days a week; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No permanent food offer is confirmed in the supplied sources. An ice-cream van is reported at the dam and Norsworthy Bridge car park on busy days; bring provisions and check locally.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed according to Visit Dartmoor. Keep dogs under control and check any local restrictions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The South West Lakes Trust describes an easy-access 1.5 km wildlife trail in the Arboretum as suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Other paths and the reservoir circuit may have different surfaces and conditions; check before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Donation
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Burrator Reservoir
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
