The best walks and hikes around Roadford Lake

Yes, Roadford Lake is very family-friendly. Many trails are gentle and well-suited for all ages. For an easy and enjoyable outing, consider the Hiking loop from Bridestowe. It's a pleasant walk with minimal elevation, making it manageable for younger hikers.

Dogs are welcome on the trails around Roadford Lake, but they should be kept under control, especially near wildlife and livestock. After your walk, the Roadford Lake Cafe is a popular, dog-friendly spot where you can relax with a view of the water.

Yes, the area features several circular routes. You can find loops that take you through woodlands, along the lakeshore, and across open pastures. The Moonhouse Plantation loop from Lifton is a great example of an easy circular walk that offers a pleasant journey through the plantation.

The terrain around Roadford Lake is generally gentle, characterized by lakeside paths, woodland trails, and pasture tracks with minimal elevation changes. While most routes are easy, there are more challenging options available. For instance, the Meldon Reservoir – Meldon Dam loop from Bridestowe is a long, difficult hike for those seeking a more strenuous adventure.

Yes, there are accessible options. A specific 30-minute wheelchair-accessible route starts from the café and leads to a sundial. Many of the main paths along the lake are wide and have gentle gradients, which can also be suitable for sturdy prams.

Yes, the Roadford Lake Cafe and Venue is located right by the water and is a very popular spot for visitors. It offers food and drinks with a beautiful view of the lake, making it a perfect place to start or end your hike.

There are several car parks available to access the trails at Roadford Lake. The main Lakeside car park near the café and activity centre is a convenient starting point for many walks. Other car parks, like the one at Headson, provide access to different parts of the trail network.

While the immediate lakeside trails don't feature major waterfalls, a short drive away you can find the highly-regarded Lydford Gorge, which is managed by the National Trust. It boasts the impressive 30-meter-high Whitelady Waterfall. The Lydford Castle – Devil's Cauldron Gorge loop from Bridestowe incorporates this dramatic landscape into a challenging hike.

The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the well-maintained paths through quiet woodlands. The variety of routes, from short strolls to longer treks, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Hiking at Roadford Lake offers a different experience from the rugged, open moorland of Dartmoor. The trails here are generally less strenuous, with more sheltered woodland paths and gentle lakeside walks. While Dartmoor is known for its tors and dramatic, exposed landscapes, Roadford Lake provides a tranquil setting focused on water views and serene forests.

Roadford Lake is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. The area is a significant site for birds, especially in winter, with species like Canada Geese and Wigeon. The surrounding woodlands and grasslands are also home to various animals, including the rare Hazel dormouse, though they are not commonly spotted.