Near Exmouth, East Devon
Bystock Pools
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.3A short circular walk moves between a lily-pad-filled lake, heathland boardwalks and wildflower meadow, revealing more habitat variety than the name Bystock Pools suggests.
Bystock earns its place for the contrast packed into a manageable reserve walk: lake views, heathland boardwalks and meadow slopes, with quieter habitat details such as sphagnum moss and bog pimpernel to seek out. It is a properly varied nature visit, rather than just a waterside stroll.
Peaceful · Wild · Seasonal
Find your way
Open mapNear Exmouth, East Devon
Opening map…
The experience
Follow the clearly marked circular route, allowing about an hour. Pause for the lake view, then continue across boardwalks and rough paths through heathland and meadow. The short access-for-all path is around the reservoir; contact Devon Wildlife Trust about access elsewhere.
Things to do
Follow the marked circular walk
Explore the reserve’s lake, heathland and meadow on clearly marked paths. Devon Wildlife Trust says to allow about an hour.
About 1 hour
Take the short reservoir path
A short access-for-all path runs around the reservoir. Contact the Trust for information about disabled access elsewhere in the reserve.
Watch for insects by the water
Pause around the lake and look for dragonflies; the reserve’s official page highlights insect spotting as a reason to visit.
Look closely at the wet valley-bottom habitat
The Devon Wildlife Trust reserve film points out sphagnum moss and bog pimpernel in the valley-bottom habitat.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: the reserve circuit
- 01
Start from the south entrance area; the north-entrance car park is closed, and road parking is available by the reservoir.
- 02
Follow the clearly marked paths around the reserve.
- 03
Pause for views across the lake, then continue through heathland and meadow before returning.
Half day · Allow half a day
Make a half day of the habitats
- 01
Walk the marked circular route, allowing about an hour.
- 02
Take the short access-for-all path around the reservoir if that suits your visit; check with Devon Wildlife Trust about access on other paths.
- 03
Revisit the lake and heathland boardwalks at a slower pace, watching for dragonflies and looking closely at the wetter valley-bottom vegetation.
Hidden details
Sphagnum moss and bog pimpernel — The Devon Wildlife Trust reserve film identifies sphagnum moss and bog pimpernel in the valley-bottom habitat—details easy to miss if you focus only on the lake.
Temporary winter path changes — The Trust says winter tree work may involve temporary path diversions or closures. Follow notices and current route guidance on site.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter visit, based on the source-row guidance. No specific time is confirmed by the reserve page.
Devon Wildlife Trust lists the reserve as an all-year destination. The source row favours late spring and summer for flowering plants and active wildlife, and also notes autumn colour. Exact peak dates are not established by the supplied sources.
The reserve includes boardwalks and rough paths. Check current conditions and any temporary path diversions or closures, particularly during winter tree work.
What to look for
- 01
Look across the lake for its lily pads and watch for dragonflies. In the wetter valley-bottom habitat, the Devon Wildlife Trust’s reserve film identifies sphagnum moss and bog pimpernel. The Trust also describes heathland, meadow and grazing animals
- 02
look out for temporary path diversions and closures.
Best time to go
All year. Late spring and summer bring active wildlife and flowering vegetation; autumn adds changing leaf colour.
The reserve is listed as an all-year visit. For a quieter outing, the source-row guidance suggests early morning or late afternoon; late spring and summer are highlighted for active wildlife and flowering plants.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Practical information
Opening & access
Devon Wildlife Trust says the reserve is open at all times with no entry fee. A circular walk takes about an hour. The north-entrance car park is closed; parking is available on the road at the south entrance by the reservoir. Check current path diversions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The north-entrance car park is closed. Devon Wildlife Trust says road parking is available at the south entrance by the reservoir, OS grid reference SY 034 843. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No public toilets are confirmed in the supplied sources; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No on-site café or food provision is confirmed in the supplied sources; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead, according to Devon Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
A short access-for-all path runs around the reservoir. The rest of the reserve has boardwalks and rough paths; contact Devon Wildlife Trust for disabled-access information. Temporary path diversions or closures may apply.
Cost
Free
Water
Lake and reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bystock Pools
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances