Dartmoor's Hidden Lake
Burrator Reservoir was built in the 1890s to supply Plymouth with clean drinking water, and enlarged in the 1920s to meet growing demand. Today the walk circuits the reservoir on well-maintained tracks and paths that wind through a remarkable variety of landscape — conifer plantation, ancient sessile oak woodland, and open moorland edge — all within a single four-mile loop. The route is flat for the most part, with only gentle undulations, making it popular with families, cyclists and dog walkers throughout the year.
The reservoir itself sits in a natural valley carved by the River Meavy, surrounded by some of Dartmoor's most atmospheric woodland. The mix of habitats attracts an impressive range of wildlife: the surrounding forest is home to greater spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers and crossbills in the conifers, while dippers and grey wagtails work the river above the reservoir. Wildfowl gather on the water in winter — teal, tufted duck and the occasional goosander — and the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells in late April.
💧 The Dam
The granite dam at the southern end is an impressive Victorian engineering feat. Built from local Dartmoor granite, it stands 39 metres high and holds back 1,026 million gallons of water. Walk across the dam for views up the reservoir toward Sheepstor and down the Meavy valley below — it's a dramatic start or finish to the circuit and a fine piece of industrial heritage in a wild setting.
The Route
🗺️ Burrator Reservoir Circuit (4 miles · 1.5–2 hours)
Start from the main car park near the dam (PL20 6PE). Cross the dam for views up the reservoir and downstream to the Meavy valley. The granite parapet and Victorian engineering are impressive up close.
Follow the track along the western shore through conifer plantation and mixed woodland. The path is flat and wide, suitable for pushchairs. Views across the water to Sheepstor open up through gaps in the trees.
The path rounds the head of the reservoir where the River Meavy enters. Ancient oak woodland here with mossy boulders and ferns creates a atmospheric, almost primeval landscape. The remains of Longstone Manor can be seen near the waterline when water levels are low.
The eastern path runs below Sheepstor village with views up to the granite tor above. This is the most scenic section — on calm days the tor is perfectly reflected in the still water, creating one of Dartmoor's most photogenic scenes.
Complete the circuit through mixed woodland back to the dam and car park. The final stretch passes through beech and oak woodland that is particularly beautiful in autumn colour.
📸 Photography Tip
The best reflections on Burrator happen on calm mornings before the wind picks up. Arrive early for mirror-like water with Sheepstor reflected perfectly in the surface. Autumn colour is exceptional — the mix of conifers, oaks and beeches around the reservoir gives a palette of greens, golds and russets that few Dartmoor locations can match.
Walk Highlights
Sheepstor Reflections
On still mornings the granite tor is perfectly reflected in the reservoir. One of Dartmoor's most photogenic scenes, especially in autumn colour when the surrounding trees blaze with golds and russets.
Victorian Dam
The impressive granite dam, built in the 1890s from local Dartmoor stone, holds back over a billion gallons. An engineering marvel in a wild setting that marks a fine start to the circuit.
Woodland Wildlife
Greater spotted woodpeckers drum in the oaks, crossbills feed in the conifers, and dippers bob on the River Meavy above the reservoir. Deer are occasionally seen at dawn along the quieter eastern shore.
Mixed Woodland
The circuit passes through conifer plantation, ancient sessile oak woodland and open moorland edge — three distinct habitats in four miles, each with its own character and seasonal appeal.
Sheepstor
The granite tor above the eastern shore rises to 369 metres and is a worthwhile extension to the reservoir circuit. A steep 20-minute climb from the reservoir path reaches the summit, where panoramic views open up across southern Dartmoor — from the Plymouth Sound coast in the south to the high moor of Great Mis Tor and North Hessary Tor to the north. The village of Sheepstor below is one of the smallest on Dartmoor, with a tiny church and a handful of cottages clustered around the base of the tor.
Dogs at Burrator
Dogs are welcome on the reservoir circuit throughout the year. Keep them on a lead near livestock — sheep and Dartmoor ponies graze the open moorland sections at the northern end and around Sheepstor. Dogs should not swim in the reservoir as it is a drinking water supply for Plymouth. The River Meavy above the reservoir has shallow paddling spots where dogs can cool off safely, particularly near the head of the lake where the river flows in.
Getting There
Burrator is 8 miles northeast of Plymouth via the B3212 and minor roads through Yelverton and Dousland. Several free car parks are dotted around the reservoir — the dam car park (PL20 6PE) is the most convenient starting point and the largest. There is no public transport to Burrator; a car is essential. The roads are narrow in places so drive carefully, especially in summer when cyclists share the lanes.
🚴 Cycling
The reservoir circuit is also popular with cyclists. The western track is wide and smooth, suitable for road bikes and family cycling. The eastern path is rougher and better suited to mountain bikes. A full circuit on two wheels takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it a good option for families with younger children who prefer pedalling to walking.