Yelverton, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Burrator Reservoir
Reservoir
Place photograph
8.0
Wildland
1–2 hours for the reported reservoir circuit
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.0Burrator is more than a stretch of water: its reservoir, moorland and woodland sit among traces of earlier lives, from abandoned farms and prehistoric remains to the old Princetown Railway.
The appeal is the meeting of Dartmoor’s open moor and tors with wooded reservoir shores—and the unusually tangible history around them. A circular waterside walk is the simple introduction; paths leading out onto the moor make it a more substantial day.
Peaceful · Wild · Atmospheric · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapYelverton, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Devon
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The experience
Start with the easy-going reservoir circuit for broad water-and-moor views. If you have more time, visit the Discovery Centre when open or explore a signed trail into the surrounding landscape. Do not assume swimming or paddling is permitted.
Things to do
Walk the reservoir circuit
Follow the reported circular route around the water. Tripadvisor describes it as approximately 3.5 miles, flat and easy-going, taking about 1.5–2 hours.
1.5–2 hours
Explore the Arboretum wildlife trail
South West Lakes Trust describes an easy-access 1.5 km trail suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. Check current conditions before setting out.
Not stated
Visit the Discovery Centre
Explore displays, spoken history and short films about the reservoir and its surroundings. Opening is listed as 10.00am–3.30pm, subject to volunteer availability; phone ahead if making a special journey.
Look for traces of earlier landscapes
South West Lakes Trust identifies abandoned farms, tin-working remains, the Princetown Railway, prehistoric cists and cairns, and settlement remains in the wider area. Their exact locations and access are not specified here.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Approximately 1.5–2 hours; about 3.5 miles, according to Tripadvisor.
Quick escape: the reservoir circuit
- 01
Start from a suitable reservoir-side parking location; reported options include Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the dam.
- 02
Follow the lanes around the water for the circular route described as easy-going and flat.
- 03
Pause for views across the reservoir to the surrounding woodland and open moor, then return to your starting point.
Half day · Half day; exact timings depend on the route and whether the Discovery Centre is open.
Make a half day of it: add the Discovery Centre and a nature trail
- 01
Begin with a walk by the reservoir, choosing a route suited to current conditions.
- 02
Check in advance whether the Discovery Centre is open; its listed hours are 10.00am–3.30pm, subject to volunteer availability.
- 03
Use the centre’s displays and information on local history, wildlife and walking to choose a further exploration.
- 04
Consider the 1.5 km easy-access Arboretum wildlife trail if it suits your needs and is open.
Verified history
South West Lakes Trust describes the Discovery Centre as covering the construction of the reservoir and its later enlargement, with information on historical sites and what the area looked like before inundation. The surrounding landscape also contains remains of abandoned farms, tin working and the Princetown Railway, alongside prehistoric cists, cairns and settlements. The supplied source does not give dates for these features.
Hidden details
A landscape with more than one past — The South West Lakes Trust lists abandoned farms, tin-working remains and traces of the Princetown Railway among the features to discover around Burrator. Their precise locations are not supplied; use local information and respect access signs.
Prehistoric remains in the wider area — Cists, cairns and prehistoric settlement remains are noted by South West Lakes Trust. The source does not identify exact locations or confirm that each is accessible to visitors.
When to go
· A clear, calm period is likely to offer the best views; no specific time of day is verified.
The supplied sources describe spring flowers and autumn woodland colour, while the reservoir circuit and other paths are presented as year-round outdoor options. No exact peak dates are provided.
Dartmoor weather and path conditions can change; check the forecast and current local conditions before setting out. Tripadvisor reviewers mention muddy paths.
What to look for
Look beyond the shoreline for traces of abandoned farms, tin working, the Princetown Railway and prehistoric cists, cairns and settlement remains. The South West Lakes Trust also lists bluebells, primroses, ferns and wildlife including nuthatches and horseshoe bats.
The story
Reservoir construction and enlargement; abandoned farms, tin-working remains, prehistoric sites and the Princetown Railway.
Best time to go
Year-round; spring for woodland flowers, and autumn for woodland colour. Conditions on Dartmoor can change quickly.
Choose a clear, calm day for the strongest views across the water to the moor and tors. Spring brings woodland flowers; autumn is noted for woodland colour. Check the forecast before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the reported reservoir circuit; allow longer for other trails
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Cyclists
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A reservoir landscape with walking routes and several reported parking locations. Check current access, parking and any local restrictions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Tripadvisor reports parking at Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the dam. Check current parking arrangements before setting out.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
Tripadvisor reports visiting ice-cream vans at the dam, Norsworthy Bridge and Sharpitor car park; availability is not guaranteed. Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Check current reserve guidance and on-site signs before visiting.
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Accessibility
South West Lakes Trust describes a 1.5 km easy-access wildlife trail in the Arboretum as suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Check current trail conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Burrator Reservoir
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
