Clennon Valley, Paignton, Devon

Clennon Valley Lakes

Lake

Source image

5.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandValleyWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.2

A group of freshwater ponds tucked into a suburban valley, close to Paignton’s seafront and visited by waterbirds.

Clennon Valley Lakes are a modest, accessible nature pause rather than a remote escape. Their strongest appeal is the contrast between freshwater ponds, wooded and grassy valley habitat, and the nearby coast—with birdwatching interest across the seasons.

Peaceful

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Clennon Valley, Paignton, Devon

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The experience

Keep expectations simple: this is a short waterside and wetland visit, not a remote wilderness. Walk the paths around the ponds, pause to watch for birds, and consider extending the outing to nearby Goodrington Park.

Things to do

Walk beside the ponds

Take a relaxed walk on the paths around the freshwater ponds. A visitor video describes walking along a path and exploring nearby side paths; it does not provide a mapped circuit.

About 30–60 minutes

Look for birds around the water

Watch the ponds, trees and surrounding wetland habitat. The supplied sources describe birdwatching interest and mention sightings including swans, moorhens, a heron, snipe and kingfishers; individual sightings are not guaranteed.

Extend the walk to Goodrington Park

The supplied birding guide says Goodrington Park is within easy walking distance of the lakes. Check your route and return arrangements before setting out.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 30–60 minutes

Quick pond-side stroll

01
Reach the lakes from the Torbay Leisure Centre area.
02
Follow the paths beside the ponds at an easy pace.
03
Pause to watch the water and pond margins for birds, then return the way you came.

Half day · Around 2–3 hours

Make a half day of the valley and park

01
Walk the paths around Clennon Valley’s ponds and take time for birdwatching.
02
Continue on foot to nearby Goodrington Park, described by the birding source as within easy walking distance.
03
Allow extra time to return to your starting point; check the route and conditions before setting out.

Hidden details

Listen and scan for kingfishers — A supplied visitor account mentions kingfishers in the area but says they were not seen during that visit. Treat this as a possibility, not a guaranteed sighting.

When to go

March · April · May · September · October · November · December · January · February · No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources; check conditions and visit when you can take time to watch the ponds.

The supplied birding source identifies spring and autumn migration and winter as useful birding periods. It also warns that Paignton and Torquay can be very busy in summer.

The birding source describes the terrain as flat but wet. The source row warns that natural paths may be challenging after heavy rain; check conditions before visiting.

The route

ascent: 111 m
surface: Paved road, wide path and narrow trail; conditions described as wet.
distance: 5.8 km
duration: About 1 hour 20 minutes
difficulty: Easy
route shape: Loop
start point: The supplied route listing covers Clennon Lakes, Clennon Valley and Hoburne Holiday Park; its stated route location is near Torbay. Confirm the start point on the route map.
parking start: A nearby car park at Torbay Leisure Centre is identified by the birding source; a fee may be payable. Confirm that it is appropriate for the route start.
shorter alternative: Walk to the lakes and return by the same path; the supplied visitor video describes this approach but gives no measured distance.

Clennon Lakes
Clennon Valley
Hoburne Holiday Park

Worth pairing with

Goodrington Park

A nearby green-space extension: the supplied birding guide says the park is within easy walking distance of the lakes.

Goodrington seafront

A coastal extension for visitors arriving from Paignton: the supplied accommodation source describes a walking approach via Roundham Head and Goodrington.

What to look for

Watch the pond edges and wooded areas for waterbirds. A supplied visitor account mentions swans, moorhens, a heron, snipe and kingfishers, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Best time to go

Year-round for a short walk and birdwatching; autumn and spring migrations and winter are highlighted by the supplied birding source.

For birdwatching, the supplied birding source highlights migration in spring and autumn and visits in winter. Paignton and Torquay can be very busy in summer.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

The lakes are behind Torbay Leisure Centre and can be reached on foot. A nearby car park is identified at the leisure centre; check current access and parking arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

A car park at Torbay Leisure Centre is identified by the supplied birding source; a fee may be payable. Check current arrangements.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The source row says facilities are available at the nearby leisure centre; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row describes the site as dog-friendly; check current signage and local rules.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row describes the area as mostly wheelchair accessible but notes that natural paths may be challenging after heavy rain. Check path conditions and access arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

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Water

Freshwater ponds