Top 7 Lakes around Linkinhorne

For a well-maintained path, the Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail offers a 5 km traffic-free gravel track suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. Colliford Lake provides extensive lakeside walks and picnic areas, while the Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes feature numerous level footpaths and off-piste trails, including a walk along the dam.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail is suitable for pushchairs and adaptive cycles. Siblyback Lake also offers watersports like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, and has the Olive & Co Café with children's facilities. Colliford Lake and Tamar Lakes both provide picnic spots and easy walks for all ages.

Siblyback Lake is ideal for watersports, offering rentals for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. For a unique wild swimming experience, Goldiggins Quarry is a deep, hidden spot where you can swim or even jump from cliffs.

Colliford Lake is highly recommended for wildlife watching due to its vastness and peaceful environment. The Upper Tamar Lake features a dedicated wildlife zone where you can often spot herons, kingfishers, and egrets. Siblyback Lake also has a bird hide along its circular trail for observing local birdlife.

Yes, the Olive & Co Café is conveniently located on the shore of Siblyback Lake, offering breakfast, lunch, teas, coffees, and cakes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Colliford Lake provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy their own refreshments.

Colliford Lake offers ample car parking facilities. Siblyback Lake also has parking available for visitors accessing the circular trail and watersports. Tamar Lakes provide parking near their footpaths and trails.

Many of the walking trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific signage at each location for rules regarding leads and swimming. Generally, dogs are welcome on leads on the circular trails at Siblyback Lake and the paths around Colliford and Tamar Lakes.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for watersports, walking, and enjoying the cafes. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can be peaceful for quiet walks, especially at Siblyback Lake which is known for stargazing due to its location within Bodmin Moor's Dark Sky Reserve.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling on the Sibleyback Reservoir Circular Trail. The wider Linkinhorne area offers various outdoor activities, including easy hikes like the Cheesewring loop or the Minions Village loop, and running trails such as the Hurlers and The Cheesewring loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are challenging routes like the Colliford Lake – Golitha Falls loop. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes around Linkinhorne guide, running trails around Linkinhorne guide, and cycling around Linkinhorne guide.

Yes, the Siblyback Dam is a significant man-made monument, built in 1968 to create the reservoir for drinking water and river level maintenance. The Tamar Lakes are also reservoirs, constructed in the 1970s, with paths allowing walks along their dams.

Siblyback Lake is popular for its accessible 5km circular trail, diverse watersports, and excellent fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout. Its location within Bodmin Moor's Dark Sky Reserve makes it a prime spot for stargazing, and the presence of the Olive & Co Café adds to its appeal as a family-friendly destination.

Colliford Lake stands out as Cornwall's largest inland body of water, offering expansive natural beauty and a tranquil environment. It's particularly valued for its peaceful lakeside walks, picnic areas, and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation, as watersports are not permitted, ensuring a serene experience.