Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir
4.5
About
Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors. The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.The circular walk which follows the lanes around the water is ideal for families as it is easy going and flat. It will take between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete and is approximately 3.5 miles. Parking is possible at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the Dam.Low cost bank fishing for both rainbow and brown trout is available at this scenic water; permits are sold at the garage in Yelverton.Being within Dartmoor National Park we kindly request that you drive and park with consideration to other users and animals.The National Cycle Route 27 runs near to Burrator further information is available on the sustrans websiteIce cream vans visit the dam, Norsworthy Bridge and Sharpitor car park.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
789 reviews
Excellent
540
Very good
212
Average
30
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Helen B
26 contributions
Apr 2021
Nice family walk on a sunny afternoon in April. Although the visitors centre was closed we met a very helpful volunteer who explained some of the highlights of the reservoir.
We partly walked and partly drove around, making sure we had time for an ice cream.
The only drawback is due to covid the toilets are closed - which does not really make sense. Would return to walk the boardwalk as we ran out of time
We partly walked and partly drove around, making sure we had time for an ice cream.
The only drawback is due to covid the toilets are closed - which does not really make sense. Would return to walk the boardwalk as we ran out of time
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jephson
Maidstone, UK362 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This walk skirts the edge of the reservoir and takes about 2.5 hours. As you can expect it’s pretty level all the way around. Some quite muddy patches as the reservoir is quite full but passable. Would certainly recommend walking boots. Very few sitting/picnic opportunities except around the ruins of Longstone Manor. Lovely.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keefnjojo
Plymouth, UK1,397 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
As a family (couple with older parents) we drove out from Plymouth for a walk around the reservoir. You have the road with is suitable for cycling and for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. There is the inner walk which takes you down to the edge of the reservoir but in places this is not an easy option.
There are lots of paths off the main route so lots to explore and to be able to enjoy the amazing views.
There is a carpark available just a short walk away but a lot of people choose to park on the side of the road by the bridge. There is usually an ice cream van here if you need to cool down after your walk.
There are toilets available just down from the bridge.
There are lots of paths off the main route so lots to explore and to be able to enjoy the amazing views.
There is a carpark available just a short walk away but a lot of people choose to park on the side of the road by the bridge. There is usually an ice cream van here if you need to cool down after your walk.
There are toilets available just down from the bridge.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ayalasibanda
Greater London, UK414 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We wanted a fairly easy route as 1 child hates walking and constantly moans. This was perfect and she only moaned towards the end of the walk. So peaceful here, loved it.
The ice cream van was great to encourage he kids to reach the end of the line
The ice cream van was great to encourage he kids to reach the end of the line
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hezelh
Gloucester, UK19 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Would not recommend for a visit the requires disable access.
We could not find any disable parking, used a normal car parking space.... so had difficulty unloading wheelchair.
The routes were too uneven so had to use the roads !!!!
When I got back to car, a car had parked so close I could not reload the wheelchair. Fortunately a by stander saw my problem and anxiety, and was able to reverse my car for me so I could reload.
I would no recommend if you need wheelchair features.
We could not find any disable parking, used a normal car parking space.... so had difficulty unloading wheelchair.
The routes were too uneven so had to use the roads !!!!
When I got back to car, a car had parked so close I could not reload the wheelchair. Fortunately a by stander saw my problem and anxiety, and was able to reverse my car for me so I could reload.
I would no recommend if you need wheelchair features.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob Davey
United Kingdom99 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
My favourite place on Dartmoor. It’s just such a beautiful place to walk and cycle around, rain or shine. There are some amazing walks surrounding it that take you up onto the higher ground of the moors and give you breathtaking views over burrator. Parking near the reservoir bridge can get VERY busy on a sunny weekend, so I’d either get there early or park on the eastern side of the reservoir.
I live 5 miles from this spot and often cycle here for the evening. The road around the reservoir is around 4 miles, so a good length to cycle or run around.
For the ultimate views of the reservoir, I’d head to Leather Tor, you can park at the foot of the tor or even walk to it from burrator. No begged place to sit and watch the sun go down.
And to top it off, the Burrator Inn does a fantastic Sunday roast!
I live 5 miles from this spot and often cycle here for the evening. The road around the reservoir is around 4 miles, so a good length to cycle or run around.
For the ultimate views of the reservoir, I’d head to Leather Tor, you can park at the foot of the tor or even walk to it from burrator. No begged place to sit and watch the sun go down.
And to top it off, the Burrator Inn does a fantastic Sunday roast!
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Tucker
Plympton, UK232 contributions
Oct 2020
A day out in the rain, Burrator is one of Devon`s natural beauty spots and voted so, the only thing missing today was the ice cream van, you could have been mistaken for thinking we are in the Hight of summer, parking is along the main road which winds around in a 360 deg arc to bring you back to your starting point and along the way you will find natural parking spots, some constructed some not, don’t expect to find toilets that would be helpful. Do expect to find wondering animals, so drive slowly. This is a perfect place for a walk takes about 1-15min to walk around; brisk walk, really great for running and cycling its mostly flat, There an automated external defibrillator very close to the dam on the wall of a outhouse, you will drive past it as you arrive.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave M
Hemel Hempstead, UK161 contributions
Sep 2020
You can take a car around and stop every now again (there's normally an ice cream van at the dam) or take a walk. The walk is part road, part tracks closer to the lake. They say it's 4.5 miles, but it felt a lot longer and took us at least 2 hours.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steveG1765WO
South Devon, UK4 contributions
Mar 2020
My wife and I have visited here many times over more years then we care to remember yet we still find it fascinating and beautiful. The reservoir really makes the spot nestling in the River Meavy valley overlooked by the imposing Sheepstor and the impressive steep sided peak of Leather Tor. Around the reservoir there is much evidence of tin working, the remains of the Princetown Railway, both Devonport and Drakes leats plus cists, cairns and prehistoric settlements. Also in the area are ruins of many abandoned farms, a discrete group of historic settlements which were all abandoned in the early part of the 20th century following the building of the reservoir. South-east of the reservoir lies Burrator Arboretum. The Arboretum and associated footpaths was created following the storms in the late 1980s as a collection of native and non-native trees. Apart from the mixed woodland the Narrator Brook runs through the Arboretum which, together with a network of ponds and meadows, give a variety of habitats that support a rich and diverse range of species.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara
Devon, UK13 contributions
Jun 2023
Great walk that is not overly strenuous and I imagine would be suitable for all the family. I went for a dog walk with my Auntie who has just turned 70 (although is very active!) and we had no trouble at all. We went around the reservoir and found that part of it has an enclosed off-lead dog walking area which was lovely. PLEASE keep your dog on the lead around the rest of the area, you are on the moors and there is loose livestock to be expected. The views are beautiful, particularly on a nice sunny day. It is popular and gets busy. If you cannot park along the road by the bridge then drive a little further and park at Norsworthy car park. If you want a longer walk there are various trails you can take with Burrator as a starting point so get your maps up and have a good look around.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
979bonita
United Kingdom
Whereabouts is the dog exercise area and arboretum please?
hilaryevans43
Plymouth, UK20 contributions
If you Google- dog exercise park burrator a list of options will appear. Select Top 10 dog walks South West lakes trust and there will be all the information you hopefully need. Hope this helps
So I can’t ride a bike with my son (separate bikes)
Patricia C
Plymouth, UK6 contributions
I'm now 72 and I can remember coming out from Plymouth on my bike as a teenager and you can still do this. It is eisier this day and age as there is a tarmac road all those years ago it was a dirt track with gates every so often to keep the cattle in. I still walk around several times a year with my husband. It's buatiful any time of the year. Hoping you and your son enjoy your bike ride.
Can you drive dirt bikes and quards around the resivoir
Thin Man
Plymouth, UK410 contributions
If they are road legal then yes there is a tarmac road going around Burrator.
Theresa1953
Plymouth, UK1 contribution
Can dogs swim in burrator?
Neil R
Buckfastleigh, UK
Hi Theresa,
I'm afraid dogs are not permitted to swim in the reservoir.
Best wishes
Neil
Jannerbloke
Plymouth, UK12,635 contributions
Is there an accessible public defibrillator at this site?
Neil R
Buckfastleigh, UK
Thank you for your enquiry. I'm afraid this is not a facility that is provided at the moment.
Best wishes
Rob Allen
6 contributions
I like the area but can you camp there for a weekend?
Patricia C
Plymouth, UK6 contributions
Sorry no you can't camp here any more though my dear Dad did in between the two world wars he had many tales to tell us of this time.
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Claim your listingBurrator Reservoir - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Burrator Reservoir
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