Venford Reservoir Dartmoor
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Venford Reservoir Dartmoor

4.8
·159 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene Dartmoor gem offering peaceful reservoir walks, hidden waterfalls, and stunning moorland views. Perfect for quiet escapes and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Frosty mornings

Magical light and crisp air

CrowdLow
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Venford Reservoir Dartmoor

Venford Reservoir Dartmoor

Best Time

Frosty mornings

Magical light and crisp air

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Dartmoor gem offering peaceful reservoir walks, hidden waterfalls, and stunning moorland views. Perfect for quiet escapes and nature lovers.

4.8
(159 reviews)

"Lovely peaceful place, nice easy track to follow round, lots of dogs being walked around."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear

Paths can be muddy and have exposed roots. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are essential for a comfortable walk.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the tranquility by bringing your own food and drink to savor amidst the beautiful scenery.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Venford Reservoir Loop

Venford Reservoir Loop

Around the reservoir

An easy, peaceful walk with beautiful water views and plenty of dog-walking opportunities.

Venford Brook Falls

Venford Brook Falls

Off-track from the reservoir

Discover a secret gorge and a charming waterfall, a rewarding find for the adventurous explorer.

Panoramic Dartmoor Views

Panoramic Dartmoor Views

Various points around the reservoir

Enjoy the expansive beauty of Dartmoor, especially on frosty mornings, offering a truly relaxing natural escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Dartmoor's Charm

Venford Reservoir offers serene walks and hidden waterfalls. Be ready for potentially muddy paths, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is a must. Parking is available, but roads can be narrow, so drive with care.

Beyond the Reservoir: Explore Further

While the reservoir walk is lovely, don't miss the chance to explore further afield. Seek out the hidden Venford Brook Falls for a more adventurous experience. Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Best Times

When
Frosty mornings
Why
Magical light and crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
Dramatic waterfalls
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

morning walk #relexingvideo #relexingsounds #nature #river #foryou #naturewalks #frostymorningwalks #dartmoor #venfordreservoir
@dayshereandthere
507 likes • 1.5K views

👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear

Paths can be muddy and have exposed roots. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are essential for a comfortable walk. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the tranquility by bringing your own food and drink to savor amidst the beautiful scenery. Reddit

My wild swimming challenge for 2025: swimming my way through the alphabet 26 brand new wild swim locations for each letter of the alphabet (in non alphabetical order) Letter V ~ Venford Brook Falls If you know where to look, you'll find this little hidden gem on what is maybe one of Dartmoors best waterfalls. A secret gorge that feels like the doorway to a fairy kingdom. With its moss lined walls...
@znaughalty
363 likes • 4.6K views
reddit.com

What is the best hiking trail that offers a lot of elevation?

🚗 Navigate Narrow Roads

Access involves driving on narrow country lanes; drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic route. Reddit

💧 Seek Hidden Waterfalls

Venture off the main path to find the enchanting Venford Brook Falls for a unique discovery. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear

Paths can be muddy and have exposed roots. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are essential for a comfortable walk. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the tranquility by bringing your own food and drink to savor amidst the beautiful scenery. Reddit

🚗 Navigate Narrow Roads

Access involves driving on narrow country lanes; drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic route. Reddit

💧 Seek Hidden Waterfalls

Venture off the main path to find the enchanting Venford Brook Falls for a unique discovery. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

A popular spot for dog walkers, offering a great environment for your canine companions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(159 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Venford Reservoir for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful, easy walking trails around the water. The availability of parking and clean toilets are appreciated, though some note the narrow approach roads. It's a quiet escape perfect for picnics and dog walking.

"Beautiful place. We parked in a car park across from here. There was plenty of parking and toilets in the car park. Really lovely easy walk around the reservoir."

Chelsea Curran

"Lovely walk round the reservoir. Good car park. Quiet location. Bit of a drive along narrow roads but very much worth it!"

Emma Devonald

"Lovely peaceful place, nice easy track to follow round, lots of dogs being walked around.
Have to go off track abit to find the waterfalls futher down"

Jason Fall

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet location
Lovely reservoir walk
Good parking and toilets

What People Dislike

Narrow access roads
Can be muddy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Venford Reservoir is accessible by car, though the roads leading to it can be narrow and winding, typical of Dartmoor. There are two main parking areas available. Reddit

Yes, there are two parking areas. One is located near the dam, and another is further up the hill across the dam. Some parking areas have toilets nearby. Reddit

Public transport options to Venford Reservoir are limited. It's best accessed by car for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore surrounding areas. Reddit

Expect narrow country lanes with passing places. While scenic, they require careful driving. Reddit

The main paths around the reservoir are generally suitable for cycling, but some sections can be rough or muddy, so mountain bikes are recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Venford Reservoir and the surrounding walking paths is free. There may be charges for parking in designated car parks. Reddit

Venford Reservoir is open to visitors year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

Parking fees may apply in the designated car parks. It's advisable to check for any signage regarding charges upon arrival. Reddit

While there are no official closing times, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the paths. Reddit

Generally, visitors are welcome to enjoy the natural beauty. Please respect the environment, stay on marked paths where possible, and take your litter with you. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The loop around the reservoir is a popular and easy walk, offering lovely views. For a more adventurous experience, explore off-track to find Venford Brook Falls. TikTokReddit

The main path around the reservoir is a mix of gravel, soil, and exposed roots, which can be uneven. It's generally considered an easy walk but may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs in all sections. Reddit

There are toilets available in some of the car parks, which are noted as being clean. Reddit

Absolutely! The reservoir offers beautiful water reflections, and the surrounding Dartmoor landscape provides stunning backdrops, especially during frosty mornings. TikTok

While some visitors engage in wild swimming, it's important to be aware of potential dangers like cold water shock and submerged objects. Always prioritize safety. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no cafes or restaurants directly at Venford Reservoir. It's a natural site, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

The nearest amenities and dining options would be in nearby villages or towns on Dartmoor. It's best to plan your meals before or after your visit. Reddit

Yes, Venford Reservoir is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are plenty of scenic locations to sit and enjoy your meal. Reddit

There are no designated BBQ facilities at Venford Reservoir. Visitors should refrain from open fires to protect the natural environment. Reddit

Bring a picnic blanket, your food, drinks, and any utensils you might need. Remember to take all your rubbish with you. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dam itself offers a great perspective, as do the various points along the walking path that capture the water and surrounding moorland. Look for reflections on the water's surface. TikTok

Early mornings, especially during frosty conditions, offer beautiful light and a serene atmosphere. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide stunning shots. TikTok

It's excellent for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing tranquil water scenes. The hidden waterfalls also offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

No special permit is required for personal photography. However, if you are planning a professional photoshoot, it's always best to check with the relevant authorities. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing water movement. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Venford Reservoir offers a lovely, relatively easy walk that's great for families. The loop around the reservoir is manageable for most children, providing beautiful views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Reddit Packing a picnic is a must, as it turns the visit into a fun outdoor meal experience. Reddit While the main path is generally good, be mindful of muddy patches and uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes for everyone are recommended. Reddit For the more adventurous, the short trek to Venford Brook Falls can be an exciting 'treasure hunt' for older children. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For those seeking solitude and a connection with nature, Venford Reservoir is an excellent choice. The quiet location and the peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for a reflective walk. Reddit The easy walking trail allows you to immerse yourself in the Dartmoor landscape without strenuous effort. Reddit Consider visiting on a weekday morning to ensure the most tranquil experience. Reddit Don't forget to bring a book or journal to fully embrace the serenity. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Venford Reservoir is a popular destination for dog walkers, offering ample space for your canine companions to explore. The loop around the reservoir provides a good route for a decent walk, and dogs are generally welcome off-leash in many areas, though it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Reddit Ensure your dog is comfortable with muddy terrain and potentially uneven paths. Reddit Bringing extra water for your dog, especially on warmer days, is a good idea. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails and Waterfalls

The primary attraction at Venford Reservoir is the easy walking loop that encircles the water. This path is a mix of gravel and soil, with some sections featuring exposed roots, making it a pleasant, albeit sometimes uneven, stroll. It's a popular route for dog walkers and those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Reddit Many visitors enjoy the tranquility and the opportunity to simply wander and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

For those seeking a bit more adventure, venturing off the main path can lead to the hidden Venford Brook Falls. This requires a bit more exploration and potentially navigating rougher terrain, but the reward is a charming gorge and waterfall that feels like a secret discovery. TikTok These off-track explorations are often highlighted by visitors looking for a more unique experience beyond the standard reservoir walk. Reddit

Practicalities: Parking, Facilities, and What to Bring

Accessing Venford Reservoir involves navigating narrow country lanes, which are characteristic of Dartmoor but require careful driving. Reddit Fortunately, there are two designated car parks to accommodate visitors. One is situated near the dam, while the other is located further up the hill on the opposite side. Reddit Some of these parking areas are equipped with toilets, which are noted as being clean and a convenient amenity for visitors. Reddit

Given the natural setting, it's highly recommended to pack a picnic. There are no catering facilities on-site, making it an ideal spot to enjoy your own food amidst the serene surroundings. Reddit Crucially, visitors should wear appropriate footwear, as the paths can become muddy, especially after rainfall, and may have exposed roots. Reddit Bringing a picnic blanket and ensuring you take all your litter with you are essential for a responsible and enjoyable visit. Reddit

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