Meldon, near Okehampton, Devon EX20 4LU
Meldon Reservoir
Reservoir
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A 55-metre dam holds back a reservoir beneath Dartmoor’s open moorland, with the West Okement Valley and Victorian Meldon Viaduct adding to the industrial-meets-wild landscape.
Meldon is more than a waterside stop: the reservoir, moorland and Victorian viaduct bring water engineering and a broad Dartmoor setting together. It is most compelling as a walk destination; check current paths and facilities before setting out.
Dramatic · Big-sky · Wild
Find your way
Open mapMeldon, near Okehampton, Devon EX20 4LU
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The experience
Walk by the reservoir and take in its setting beneath Dartmoor’s open moorland, with Meldon Viaduct as a nearby heritage feature. The supplied sources do not establish a specific route or current facilities, so check local information before planning a longer visit.
Things to do
Walk beside the reservoir
Explore a suitable waterside section and take in the reservoir against its open moorland setting. Confirm paths and access locally.
Check locally
Take in Meldon Viaduct
Include the nearby Victorian viaduct as part of the landscape’s industrial-heritage story; check access and the route to it before setting out.
Look across the West Okement Valley
Notice how the reservoir and dam sit within the valley and surrounding Dartmoor moorland.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours; verify route length and conditions locally.
Reservoir and viaduct viewpoints
- 01
Start from the reservoir visitor area, checking current access and path information.
- 02
Walk a suitable section beside the reservoir and take in the surrounding moorland and valley.
- 03
Look towards the nearby Meldon Viaduct; confirm the safest route and any access restrictions before approaching.
Verified history
The supplied source describes Meldon Reservoir as a man-made reservoir with a 55-metre dam, completed and opened in 1972. It also identifies nearby Victorian Meldon Viaduct. No further historical detail is established by the supplied material.
Hidden details
A reservoir shaped by engineering — The dam is reported to stand 55 metres high, a striking piece of infrastructure in a moorland setting.
The Victorian viaduct nearby — Meldon Viaduct is identified as a nearby Victorian feature. Verify current access before planning to visit it on foot.
When to go
· No source-backed recommendation; check weather and local conditions.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal peak. Conditions on open moorland can affect a visit, so check the forecast and local updates.
Check the forecast and path conditions before visiting; the sources provide no detailed weather guidance.
What to look for
The scale of the 55-metre dam, the reservoir’s position above the West Okement Valley, and the nearby Victorian Meldon Viaduct.
The story
Water engineering and Victorian railway heritage
Best time to go
No specific best season is established by the supplied sources; check weather and conditions before visiting.
No source-backed time of day is available. Check the forecast and local conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A visitor destination on Dartmoor’s northern edge. A small car park and toilets are reported on site; check current access and facilities before travelling.
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Parking
A small car park is reported on site. Check current availability and conditions before travelling.
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Toilets
Toilets are reported on site; check before visiting.
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Check current path surfaces, gradients and accessibility before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Meldon Reservoir
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
