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Wadebridge

Top 3 Lakes around Wadebridge

Best lakes around Wadebridge are complemented by the tidal River Camel and its estuary, which serve as a central feature of the area. The region offers a mix of fishing lakes, recreational lakes, and reservoirs within a reasonable distance. This area in Cornwall provides diverse natural landscapes, from tranquil fishing spots to expansive waters suitable for watersports and wildlife observation.

Best lakes around Wadebridge

  • The most popular lakes is Padstow Harbour, a beach and settlement that is a charming fishing town and harbour rich in history and heritage. The picturesque town has many attractions and experiences.
  • Another must-see spot is Port Quin Cove, a serene and unspoiled beach hidden in a rocky cove. Visitors can expect an idyllic cove with rock pools, suitable for paddleboarding.
  • Visitors also love Port Isaac, a historical site and fishing village. This quaint fishing village is well known due to its use as a location for British television series.
  • Wadebridge is known for its fishing lakes, recreational lakes, and the significant Camel Estuary. The area offers a variety of lakes and waterways to see and explore, from tranquil fishing spots to larger reservoirs.
  • The lakes around Wadebridge are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 150 photos shared.

Last updated: July 13, 2026

Padstow Harbour

Highlight • Beach

Padstow is a charming fishing town and harbour that is rich in history and heritage. Whilst it can get busy, it is for good reason as the picturesque town has lots to see and experience. There are many attractive beaches and coves close to Padstow, too, including Bedruthan Steps, said to be the stepping stones of an ancient giant, and Constantine Bay, one of the best surfing beaches in the area.

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Port Quin Cove

Highlight • Beach

Port Quin is known as ‘the village that died’ after all of the men in the village drowned whilst fishing in the 19th century, forcing the women to abandon their homes. These days, Port Quin is a serene and unspoiled spot with a pleasant beach hidden in a rocky cove.

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Port Isaac

Highlight • Historical Site

Typical Cornish fishing village that has become well known due to location filming of British television series 'Doc Martin'. Quaint little village with typically steep roads into main square. Sample a famous Barnecutts pasty from local bakery or Cornish Cider from one of several bars. The climb back out is a test, especially if the pasties and cider proved too tempting :)

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This gorgeous campsite and glamping site has traditional tipis to stay in as well as a camping field and ‘wild’ hidden camping spots. At the heart is a huge lake in a disused quarry where campers can swim, fish or borrow rowing boats and canoes to pootle about on the water. The campsite cafe, the Gastropod, is a lovely place for a pitstop.

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Popular around Wadebridge

Cycling around Wadebridge

MTB Trails around Wadebridge

Running Trails around Wadebridge

Gravel biking around Wadebridge

Road Cycling Routes around Wadebridge

Hiking around Wadebridge

Tips from the Community

Cuno
August 10, 2025, Port Quin Cove

Nice run, sometimes narrow paths for a trail run but beautiful route!

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Carl
April 28, 2025, Port Quin Cove

Beautiful hike well worth the effort and experience. It’s called the roller coaster for a reason 😁

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The origins of Port Isaac are likely Celtic and the development of the town can be roughly divided into three phases. Through the Middle Ages and up to the coming of the railways, Port Isaac was a thriving port serving the area inland. During the Tudor period the harbour was dredged, a good illustration of its importance. Once goods from locations further inland were better served by the North Cornwall Railway, the economy of the port relied on pilchard fishing, probably a centuries-old industry. However the pilchard shoals began to decline, and after World War I tourism became the mainstay of the economy.

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Natalie
November 3, 2023, Port Quin Cove

A certain sadness surrounds Port Quin. In the 19th century all the men from the small fishing port were lost at sea. The women and children who lived in the village abandoned their homes presumably due to having the the culture of the time meaning they were relient on the men's incomes. Port Quin is sometimes known as 'the village that died'.

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Natalie
November 3, 2023, Port Isaac

Made famous by the popular TV series, Doc Martin, Port Isaac is quaint fishing village in a sheltered part of Cornwall's rugged coast. It is also home to the Sea Shanty group 'Fisherman's Friends' and the movie about the singers was filmed here too.

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Dirty Wknd
September 27, 2023, Padstow Harbour

Padstow is famous for it's beautiful harbour, sandy beaches and amazing fish restaurants. Whether you grab fish and chips and sit on the harbour wall, or sample TV chef Rick Stein's first restaurant, the beaches and the food are not to be missed whilst you're here!

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Roger
July 27, 2023, Padstow Harbour

It is a nightmare to cycle through once the visitors are there I.e. most of the year. Cyclists don't stand a chance, I cycle to Rock and catch the ferry over to P if I need to go there.

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Car park available, and a good point to start a tour to Port Isaac

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find good fishing lakes near Wadebridge?

For coarse fishing, Meadowside Fisheries, located between St. Columb Major and Wadebridge, offers two well-stocked lakes with carp, roach, perch, bream, and tench. Another excellent option is White Acres Holiday Park near Newquay, which boasts 11-13 naturally fed spring lakes with a wide variety of fish, suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Are there lakes suitable for watersports near Wadebridge?

While Wadebridge itself is more river-focused, Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor, about 15 miles away, is a great option for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. It also offers fishing and a circular walk.

What are the best lakes for walking and enjoying nature around Wadebridge?

Colliford Lake, Cornwall's largest inland lake on Bodmin Moor, provides three signposted walks and is excellent for wildlife watching. Porth Reservoir near Newquay is a designated bird sanctuary with a well-maintained 3-mile walk around its edge, perfect for birdwatchers and leisurely strolls.

Can I find family-friendly activities near the lakes in the Wadebridge area?

Yes, several spots offer family-friendly experiences. White Acres Holiday Park provides amenities beyond fishing, making it suitable for family visits. Additionally, the Camel Trail, which follows the River Camel estuary, is a largely traffic-free route ideal for family walks and cycling. For a unique stay, consider Cornish Tipi Holidays Campsite & Lake, where campers can swim, fish, or use rowing boats on the lake.

Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes or estuary?

While not directly lakes, the nearby coastal villages offer rich history. Port Isaac is a quaint fishing village famous for its role in TV series and its sea shanty group. Padstow Harbour is a charming fishing town with a rich heritage and attractive beaches nearby.

What outdoor activities, besides visiting lakes, can I do in the Wadebridge area?

The Wadebridge area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous easy hikes, gravel biking routes, and running trails. For hiking, consider routes like the "Iron Bridge on the Camel Trail – Padstow Harbour loop" or "Wadebridge Town Centre – Treraven Farm loop." Find more options on the Easy hikes around Wadebridge guide. For cycling, the Gravel biking around Wadebridge guide offers routes like "The Camel Trail loop from Wadebridge." Runners can find trails on the Running Trails around Wadebridge guide, including the "Camel Trail and Bishop's Wood Loop."

Is the Camel Trail suitable for dogs?

Yes, the Camel Trail is generally dog-friendly, offering a largely traffic-free route along the River Camel estuary. It's a popular choice for walks with pets, but always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around other users and wildlife.

Are there any less crowded lake options near Wadebridge?

For a quieter experience, Colliford Lake, being Cornwall's largest inland lake, offers ample space and three signposted walks, making it less likely to feel crowded compared to more popular tourist spots. Its focus on wildlife watching also contributes to a more serene atmosphere.

What is the best time to visit the lakes and the Camel Estuary?

The best time to visit depends on your activity. For walking and cycling along the Camel Trail, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for watersports at Siblyback Lake. For sea fishing in the Camel Estuary, an hour before and after high tide is generally recommended.

Are there any lakes near Wadebridge that are good for stargazing?

Yes, Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent location for stargazing. Its remote location away from light pollution provides clear views of the night sky.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes and coastal areas near Wadebridge?

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. The lakes themselves offer tranquil waters and surrounding woodlands or moorland, like Bodmin Moor around Siblyback and Colliford Lakes. The River Camel estuary features tidal mudflats and saltmarshes, rich in birdlife. Coastal areas like Port Quin Cove provide dramatic rocky coves and rock pools.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Wadebridge? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

CornwallDevonCompton MartinNorton MalrewardDundryCompton DandoLong AshtonNempnett ThrubwellChew MagnaStowey-SuttonHinton BlewettWest HarptreeChew StokeEast HarptreeStanton DrewWinfordWhitchurchCameleyPublowGloucestershireMarksburySt. HilaryKeynshamConstantineCrowanFarmboroughPaultonTimsburyHigh LittletonChelwoodCluttonFarrington GurneyBath and North East SomersetWendronButcombeSt KeverneBlagdonUbleyBreageBarrow GurneyBackwellWringtonSomersetSt. Martin-In-MeneageBurringtonKeaPerranarworthalMylorPonsanoothPenrynBudockFeockHanhamGwinear-GwithianFlax BourtonGwennapStithiansMawnanHanham AbbotsFalmouthMabeCamborneWiltshireDorsetSithneyChurchillOldlandMidsomer NortonWinterbourneStoke GiffordDyrham And HintonSt. BrewardChacewaterBittonAlmondsburySt. ErthWraxall And FailandSaltfordGweekPatchwayFiltonAbbots LeighTowednackLudgvanIlloganCarn BreaRedruthBlislandFrampton CotterellSt. DayCarharrackCongresburyPill & Easton-In-GordanoMawgan-In-MeneageBrockleyWarlegganSt. NeotAltarnunDobwalls And TrewidlandDownend and Bromley HeathHayleEmersons GreenBradley StokeStoke Lodge And The CommonStanton FitzwarrenWick And AbsonSistonSt. AgnesPortreathSt. Just-In-RoselandGerransPenzanceMarazionMadronZennorNorth SomersetLannerLattonWesterleighCorstonBlunsdonRedlynchSt. CleerLandfordCardinhamDoyntonNailseaPilning And Severn BeachSedgehill And SemleySt. PinnockSt. Anthony-In-MeneageFoweyPucklechurchCleeveLiskeardKelstonNorth StokePhilleighSt. KewWestfieldCamertonDodingtonOlvestonCrickladeKenwynSt. Michael'S MountCuryGrade-RuanMullionCity of BristolPentewan ValleyLanreathPolperroPelyntLanteglosYattonLydiard MillicentPurtonPristonDuloeMinetyLeighAshton KeynesGermoeManaccanHanningtonPerranuthnoeRadstockWellowSt. SampsonVeryanTreverbynSt. BlaiseSt. AustellCarlyonSt. Austell BaySt. VeepLewannickNorth HillLinkinhorneWickwarRoyal Wootton BassettMenheniotMichaelstowSt. TeathCamelfordStratton St. MargaretAdventIron ActonSt. JustSt. BuryanMorvahPaulSancreedYateLydiard TregozePortisheadPortburyClapton-In-GordanoTickenhamLongbridge DeverillSt. BreockHortonBanwellWinscombe & SandfordMaiden Bradley With YarnfieldSouth MarstonSheviockSodburySaltashAntonySt. JohnTorpointMaker-With-RameMillbrookTintagelWest KnoyleMereEast KnoyleDavidstowHawkesburyEgloshayleBrinkworthCharltonBraydonNewton St LoeSt. MabynHighworthCromhallSt. KeyneCastle EatonSt. IvesMarshfieldTormartonBoconnocSt. WinnowRuanlanihorneCovinghamLuxulyanLanlivery

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