| Reservoir
walk on Dartmoor |
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| Burrator
Reservoir |
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Burrator
Reservoir on Dartmoor is a great place for a walk. It's also perfect
for the whole family, as the circuit is nice and flat. At the time
of this walk, the reservoir levels were way down - so we could actually
walk through a section of it. |
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Here's
a nice, easy walk which the whole family can enjoy.
There are no arduous bits (unless you choose to go on a diversion
up one of the nearby tors), and there are plenty of places to stop
for a picnic.
To walk all the way around Burrator Reservoir, you'll need to give
yourself two hours - the distance is around 3.5 miles.
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| A
horse and rider cross Norsworthy Bridge |
There
are plenty of places to park up - we parked at the western end of
the reservoir where the Dam is, and set off eastwards, on the northern
banks of the lake.
You
have a choice virtually all the way around.
You can walk along the narrow, country lanes, where you will encounter
some traffic - although it's generally slow moving and there's room
to let the cars pass.
You'll also come across cyclists and horse riders.
Or, if you want to get off the road, there are entrances to the plantation
on the banks of the reservoir, and you can walk through the trees.
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| The
eastern end of Burrator Reservoir was bone dry - and you could
see old bridges |
However,
make sure you don't go the wrong way, and look out for the boggy bits!
On the day we did the walk, in December 2003, water levels at the
reservoir were down to just 40%.
It meant that the eastern end was bone dry, and you could walk quite
a long way through the reservoir.
You could see old bridges and the remnants of granite walls which
are usually under water.
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| Sheepstor
looms large above the reservoir |
The
western end, thankfully, had some water in it and the ducks were having
a whale of a time.
There are places at this end where you can stop and have a picnic.
This is a beautiful part of Dartmoor, and you'll want to take your
camera.
As well as the picturesque reservoir, there's Sheepstor, Leather Tor,
fast flowing streams and lovely granite bridges.
It may not be for those who prefer a more challenging trek, but it
makes for a perfect Sunday stroll...and it was rounded off with a
Sunday lunch at the nearby Burrator Inn in Yelverton!
Article first published: 8th December 2003
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