Avon Dam and Reservoir
A picturesque dam and reservoir in Dartmoor, offering an accessible paved walk with stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snack van available
Avon Dam and Reservoir
Best Time
Snack van available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque dam and reservoir in Dartmoor, offering an accessible paved walk with stunning natural beauty.
"A great place for a walk on your own, with your partner, with children, to walk the dog or for a short cycle."
🚗 Free Parking & Toilets
Ample free parking with facilities available at the start of the walk. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Easy Paved Path
The trail to the dam is tarmacked, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Avon Dam
The main attraction
A picturesque dam offering stunning reservoir views and a gateway to Dartmoor's natural beauty.
Paved Reservoir Walk
From car park to dam
An easy, accessible stroll with beautiful scenery, perfect for families and casual visitors.
Dartmoor National Park Access
Surrounding area
Explore the rugged landscapes and wild beauty of Dartmoor, a haven for hikers and nature lovers.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessible Trails & Views
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking & Toilets
Ample free parking with facilities available at the start of the walk. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Easy Paved Path
The trail to the dam is tarmacked, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Weekend Snack Van
Grab a coffee or snack from the van that operates on weekends. :coffee:
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Perfect for a leisurely day out with family. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking & Toilets
Ample free parking with facilities available at the start of the walk. :toilet:
🚶♀️ Easy Paved Path
The trail to the dam is tarmacked, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Weekend Snack Van
Grab a coffee or snack from the van that operates on weekends. :coffee:
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Perfect for a leisurely day out with family. :sandwich:
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Dam
The dam is a starting point for longer hikes into Dartmoor's wilder areas. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Avon Dam for its accessible, paved walk and beautiful reservoir views, making it a perfect spot for families and casual outings. While some note the limited on-site dining, the convenience of a weekend snack van and the option for picnics are appreciated. It's a highly recommended, easy-access natural beauty spot.
"A great place for hiking etc."
kevin smith
"A great place for a walk on your own, with your partner, with children, to walk the dog or for a short cycle. There is a free car park at the beginning of the walk with toilets and picnic benches. A beautiful area."
Matthew Young (Urban Tiger)
"One of my favourite walks around Devon, it's a tarmacked path up to the dam itself, so very accessible, the views are wonderful"
Captain Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avon Dam is located within Dartmoor National Park. The most common access point is via a free car park which serves as the starting point for the walk to the dam. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the car park.
Public transport options to Avon Dam are limited. While buses may serve nearby towns, reaching the specific car park for Avon Dam typically requires a car or a significant walk from a bus stop.
There is a free car park available at the start of the walk to Avon Dam. It's generally spacious, but can get busy on weekends.
Yes, cycling is permitted on the tarmacked path leading to the dam, making it a pleasant route for a short cycle.
The paved path to the dam is generally accessible for wheelchairs, offering a smooth and easy route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Avon Dam and Reservoir. The car park is also free.
Avon Dam and the surrounding Dartmoor National Park are open year-round, accessible at any time. The car park facilities are also generally available throughout the day.
The car park at Avon Dam is free to use, making it an economical choice for a day out.
While the area is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
General National Park rules apply. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, take litter home, and stay on marked paths where appropriate.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include walking to the dam, enjoying the reservoir views, picnicking, and using the dam as a starting point for longer hikes into Dartmoor.
Absolutely! The easy, paved walk is perfect for children, and the open space allows them to explore safely.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Avon Dam, but they should be kept under control, especially near the water and wildlife.
There are toilets and picnic benches available at the car park. A snack van often operates here on weekends.
Swimming in Avon Reservoir is generally not advised due to safety concerns and water quality. Stick to the designated walking paths.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There are no permanent cafes or restaurants directly at Avon Dam. However, a snack van is often present in the car park on weekends, offering refreshments.
On weekends, a snack van typically provides hot and cold drinks, as well as light snacks.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended and a popular activity for visitors.
For more extensive dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby towns like Princetown or Yelverton, which offer pubs and cafes.
The weekend snack van is the primary place to purchase drinks. It's advisable to bring your own water, especially for longer walks.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself, the expansive reservoir, and the surrounding Dartmoor landscapes offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities.
Yes, the wide-open views of the reservoir and the rolling hills of Dartmoor make it an excellent location for landscape photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. It's essential to check current regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
The entire walk to the dam offers varied perspectives. Experiment with different angles from the dam wall and along the reservoir's edge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or let the kids have a go at cycling the smooth path. For a more adventurous family, the dam can be a starting point for short, manageable walks into the fringes of Dartmoor, but always keep an eye on younger children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Consider this your starting point for a Dartmoor adventure, whether it's a day hike or even wild camping if you're well-prepared and adhere to park regulations.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
The car park also offers convenient parking and facilities, further enhancing the visitor experience. While the immediate area around the dam is accessible, venturing further into Dartmoor may require assistance or alternative routes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor from Avon Dam
Many visitors enjoy extending their visit by embarking on longer circular walks that incorporate the dam. These routes can lead to other points of interest within the park, such as historical sites or dramatic viewpoints. The '50km Wildcamping & Backpacking adventure' mentioned by one creator highlights the potential for multi-day excursions, showcasing the park's extensive network of trails. Planning these longer treks requires careful consideration of distances, terrain, and available daylight hours.
When venturing further into Dartmoor, it's crucial to be self-sufficient. Carry ample water, food, and a map and compass (or GPS device). The terrain can be challenging, and mobile phone signal can be unreliable in many areas. Respecting the natural environment is paramount; stick to paths where possible, avoid disturbing wildlife, and leave no trace.
Accessibility and Family Fun
Families will find Avon Dam a delightful spot for a day out. The open space around the reservoir is perfect for children to explore, and the paved path is safe for them to walk or cycle on. The presence of picnic benches at the car park, coupled with the option to purchase snacks from the weekend van, makes it easy to spend several hours here.
Beyond the immediate dam area, the surrounding Dartmoor offers more challenging terrain for those with older children or a greater appetite for adventure. However, for a relaxed and enjoyable experience that caters to diverse needs, the accessible walk to Avon Dam is a clear winner.
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