Siblyback Lake, near Liskeard, Cornwall
Siblyback Lake
Reservoir
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours for the circuit
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A reservoir beneath the open moorland backdrop of Bodmin Moor, where a lakeside circuit passes the dam and woodland and the landscape changes from bright, calm water to mist and winter weather.
Siblyback earns its place for the combination of a substantial open-water setting, Bodmin Moor views and an accessible 5 km circuit that passes the dam and woodland. It is a managed recreation landscape rather than a remote wilderness, but the moorland backdrop and dark-sky setting give it more character than an ordinary reservoir walk.
Peaceful · Big-sky · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapSiblyback Lake, near Liskeard, Cornwall
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The experience
Walk, cycle or pause beside the reservoir beneath Bodmin Moor. The 5 km circuit is the clearest way to experience the place; the dam, woodland and changing sky give the loop its defining details. Café and water-sports options are reported, but check availability before visiting.
Things to do
Walk the reservoir circuit
Follow the 5 km round-lake path, which passes Siblyback Dam and woodland. The lake manager describes it as suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles; check current conditions for your needs.
About 1 hour according to AllTrails; allow longer for stops.
Look for winter snowdrops
The lake manager notes that snowdrops may flower in the woodland as early as January.
Try stargazing
Bodmin Moor’s International Dark Sky Landscape designation makes a clear night a reason to look beyond the lakeside view. Conditions and darkness vary, so check the forecast and arrive prepared.
Use the lake for cycling
The 5 km circuit is described by the lake manager as suitable for bicycles. Check the current path conditions before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick escape: the lakeside loop
- 01
Start from the Siblyback Lake car park and follow the 5 km circuit around the reservoir.
- 02
Pause at the dam and woodland sections, then return to the starting point.
- 03
Check current parking charges before travelling.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: lake, woodland and café
- 01
Walk the 5 km circuit, taking time at the dam and beside the woodland.
- 02
If it is open, stop at Olive & Co. for breakfast, lunch, cake or coffee.
- 03
If visiting with children, the lake manager lists a play area beside the lake; check its current availability.
Verified history
The supplied sources identify Siblyback as a reservoir and describe its present-day recreation and landscape setting. They do not provide a sufficiently supported construction date or detailed history to include here.
Hidden details
Snowdrops in the woodland — The lake manager says snowdrops may be visible in the woodland as early as January, when few other flowers may be showing.
A dark-sky setting — Bodmin Moor was designated an International Dark Sky Landscape in July 2017. A clear night can add a very different experience to a daytime circuit.
When to go
January for possible early snowdrops; the sources do not establish other specific peak months. · Daytime for the circuit; after dark for stargazing on a clear night.
The lake manager describes changing conditions and moods through the seasons, and notes that snowdrops may flower in the woodland as early as January. Clear skies are the key condition for stargazing.
The setting is exposed and the source describes cool breezes, atmospheric mists and blustery winters. Check the forecast and dress for changeable weather, especially after dark.
What to look for
Notice the change in outlook around the 5 km circuit, the Siblyback Dam and the woodland beside the path. In winter, look for snowdrops, which the lake’s manager says may flower here as early as January. On a clear night, look up: Bodmin Moor was designated an International Dark Sky Landscape in 2017.
Best time to go
Spring for the first woodland snowdrops, or choose a clear, calm evening for stargazing. The lake has distinct moods in every season.
For the circuit, choose a clear day for open-water and moorland views. For stargazing, visit on a clear night and dress for exposed, changeable conditions; Bodmin Moor is an International Dark Sky Landscape.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the circuit; allow longer for a café stop or other activities.
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Young children · Dogs · Cyclists · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A public lakeside destination with a 5 km circuit described by South West Lakes Trust as suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. Parking is paid; check current conditions and facilities before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Paid car park at the lake. South West Lakes Trust lists £2 for one hour, £3 for three hours and £6 for the day; check current charges before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
On-site toilets are reported in the supplied source row; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Olive & Co. café is listed by South West Lakes Trust for breakfast, lunch, cake and coffee. Check its current opening times before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads, according to South West Lakes Trust.
Accessibility
South West Lakes Trust describes the 5 km circuit as suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The source does not establish that every section or facility is fully accessible; check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Siblyback Lake
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
