Fernworthy Reservoir and Forest
A tranquil Dartmoor gem offering scenic reservoir walks, ancient stone circles, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Incredible colors and fewer crowds
Fernworthy Reservoir and Forest
Best Time
Incredible colors and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Dartmoor gem offering scenic reservoir walks, ancient stone circles, and abundant wildlife.
"Superb hike around the lake, then the colors in autumn are incredible!"
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow roads can cause 'hedge rash' on vehicles. Drive slowly and be prepared!
🅿️ Parking & Toilets
Pay for parking via Ringo app (signal can be weak). Free toilets are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fernworthy Reservoir Loop
Around the reservoir
A picturesque walk offering stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. Enjoy nature and spot fishermen.
Mystic Stone Circle
Short walk from the car park
Discover an ancient and atmospheric stone circle, adding a touch of mystery to your visit.
Dartmoor Wildlife
Throughout the area
Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies, swallows, and a variety of mushrooms, especially in autumn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Fernworthy
Exploring the Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow roads can cause 'hedge rash' on vehicles. Drive slowly and be prepared!
🅿️ Parking & Toilets
Pay for parking via Ringo app (signal can be weak). Free toilets are available.
Hidden gems on Dartmoor that tourists often miss?
Chagford Circular walks?
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Lake
Look for signposts to stone circles and avenues; paths may not be obvious.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small traveling café or coffee truck is often onsite for snacks.
Are there any good woodland wildcamp spots?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully
Narrow roads can cause 'hedge rash' on vehicles. Drive slowly and be prepared!
🅿️ Parking & Toilets
Pay for parking via Ringo app (signal can be weak). Free toilets are available.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Lake
Look for signposts to stone circles and avenues; paths may not be obvious.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small traveling café or coffee truck is often onsite for snacks.
🍄 Foraging Fun
Plenty of mushrooms to be found, especially for foragers in autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Fernworthy Reservoir, particularly enjoying the walk around the lake and the mystical stone circle. However, some find the parking charges steep for the limited amenities and note that the dam doesn't always flow as expected. The access roads can also be challenging.
"Very disappointing to see that the dam was not flowing over the top. Absolutely chucking it down with rain all morning, but no water flowing over the dam. There is a charge for parking, which seems INSANE as there is nothing else here.
There are no paths around the surrounding woodland, very few sign posts, and no obvious ways to get to the stone circles or stone avenue. Rather disappointing, specially considering the car park charges. Horrendous roads on the way in and out."
William connolly
"Superb hike around the lake, to do absolutely and then the colors in autumn are incredible 🥰🍂 What a pleasure to contemplate nature and the fishermen! And there is even a small traveling café 👌☕️"
Outdoor Moods
"Public toilet available in pay and display car park. Refreshment van onsite. Beautiful remote location. Expect to get 'Hedge rash' on your vehicle!"
Michael Keating
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via narrow, rural roads. Be cautious of 'hedge rash' on your vehicle. The nearest town is South Zeal, often used as a starting point for Dartmoor walks.
The roads can be challenging due to their narrowness and potential for rough surfaces. Drive slowly and be mindful of oncoming traffic and overhanging branches.
Using a GPS or map is recommended. Be aware that mobile signal can be unreliable in the area, especially for payment apps.
Public transport to Fernworthy Reservoir is very limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider it a destination for a scenic drive.
Expect winding lanes, potential for passing places, and beautiful rural scenery. It's part of the Dartmoor experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking charge. Payment is typically handled through the Ringo app, but be aware that mobile signal can be poor in the area.
Yes, public toilets are available in the pay-and-display car park. They were noted to be out of hand sanitizer at one point, so it's wise to bring your own.
Fernworthy Reservoir and its surrounding forest are generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times for the natural landscape itself.
There is a dedicated car park with a fee. Ensure you have a reliable way to pay, as mobile signal can be an issue.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Fernworthy. You only need to pay for parking upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular is the loop around the reservoir itself, offering lovely views. You can also explore paths leading to nearby stone circles and avenues, though these may be less defined.
The dam does not always flow over the top, even in heavy rain. This can be a point of disappointment for some visitors expecting a dramatic waterfall.
You might spot Dartmoor ponies grazing, swallows flying over the water, and various bird species. It's also a good spot for mushroom foraging in the autumn.
Yes, there are stone circles and avenues in the vicinity, though finding them might require some exploration and may not be clearly signposted.
Yes, the scenic surroundings make it a great spot for a picnic. Remember to take all your litter with you to preserve the natural beauty.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There's usually a small traveling café or coffee truck in the parking lot offering light snacks and drinks. It's best to bring your own food if you're planning a full meal.
Absolutely! Fernworthy is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Enjoy your meal with the beautiful reservoir views.
Typically, you'll find hot drinks like coffee and tea, and possibly some simple snacks. It's a convenient stop for a quick bite.
The nearest significant dining options would be in towns like Okehampton or Chagford, which are a drive away from Fernworthy.
It's a nice bonus for a quick coffee or snack, but don't plan your entire meal around it. It's best to be prepared with your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The reservoir itself offers beautiful reflections and landscapes, especially during autumn. The stone circle provides a mystical, atmospheric shot.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Autumn colors are particularly vibrant during these times.
Yes, if you're patient! Dartmoor ponies and birds can be photographed, but remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The dam offers a unique perspective, and various points along the reservoir loop provide different angles of the water and surrounding hills.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks, as the refreshment van is seasonal and may not always be available. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water and on any less-defined paths. The drive in can be bumpy, so be prepared for that with younger children. Consider it a great spot for a nature-focused outing rather than a place with extensive play facilities.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
Tips for solo visitors: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and a portable charger, as signal can be weak. Be prepared for varied weather conditions typical of Dartmoor. The remote setting offers a chance for quiet contemplation and immersion in the natural landscape.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive reservoir views and surrounding landscapes. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens might be useful for capturing ponies or birds from a distance. Be prepared for changing weather, as dramatic skies can add to the mood of your photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor's Ancient Past
Beyond the stone circle, the wider Dartmoor landscape surrounding Fernworthy is dotted with other archaeological features, including standing stones and ancient avenues. These remnants of past human activity add another layer of intrigue to the area. For those interested in history and archaeology, Fernworthy offers a glimpse into Dartmoor's long and storied past, making it more than just a scenic reservoir.
The Drive and Access to Fernworthy
The parking situation at Fernworthy involves a fee, typically managed through the Ringo app. However, it's important to note that mobile signal can be unreliable in this remote location, particularly for Vodafone users. While free toilets are available in the car park, it's wise to carry hand sanitizer as supplies may not always be replenished. The journey itself, though potentially challenging, is part of the immersive Dartmoor experience, leading you to a tranquil and beautiful destination.
Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife
Throughout the year, Fernworthy is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for the iconic Dartmoor ponies that roam freely in the area, adding a quintessential touch to the scenery. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species, including swallows that are often seen flying over the water. The reservoir's tranquil waters and surrounding natural habitat create a peaceful environment for both visitors and the local fauna.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit