Fernworthy Reservoir & Forest - Image 1
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Fernworthy Reservoir and Forest

4.7
·106 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil Dartmoor gem offering scenic reservoir walks, ancient stone circles, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Incredible colors and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Fernworthy Reservoir & Forest - Image 1

Fernworthy Reservoir and Forest

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Incredible colors and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil Dartmoor gem offering scenic reservoir walks, ancient stone circles, and abundant wildlife.

4.7
(106 reviews)

"Superb hike around the lake, then the colors in autumn are incredible!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fernworthy Reservoir Loop

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

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

Dartmoor Wildlife

Throughout the area

Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies, swallows, and a variety of mushrooms, especially in autumn.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating to Fernworthy

Access roads can be narrow and rough, so drive with caution and be prepared for 'hedge rash' on your vehicle. Parking has a fee, but free toilets are available. Check Ringo app for payment, but signal can be spotty.

Exploring the Surroundings

While the reservoir walk is lovely, paths to nearby stone circles and avenues might not be obvious. Look for signposts and be ready for a bit of off-trail adventure. Autumn colors are stunning, and it's a great spot for foraging.

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Incredible colors and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Early November
Why
Picturesque scenery and mystic atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
When it's raining
Why
Witness potential waterfall action
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

South Zeal near Okehampton starting point > White Moor Stone Circle on Dartmoor. Hardly saw a soul apart from the cattle and ponies 🥰 #lovewhereyoulive #lovewhereIlive #dartmoor #dartmoornationalpark #dartmoorwalks #dartmoorwalking #dartmoorhike #dartmoorhiking #solowalking #solohiking #dateyourself
@britlovesnature
124 likes • 1K views

🚗 Drive Carefully

Narrow roads can cause 'hedge rash' on vehicles. Drive slowly and be prepared! Reddit

🅿️ Parking & Toilets

Pay for parking via Ringo app (signal can be weak). Free toilets are available. Reddit

reddit.com

Hidden gems on Dartmoor that tourists often miss?

reddit.com

Chagford Circular walks?

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Lake

Look for signposts to stone circles and avenues; paths may not be obvious. Reddit

☕ Refreshments Available

A small traveling café or coffee truck is often onsite for snacks. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

🅿️ Parking & Toilets

Pay for parking via Ringo app (signal can be weak). Free toilets are available. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Lake

Look for signposts to stone circles and avenues; paths may not be obvious. Reddit

☕ Refreshments Available

A small traveling café or coffee truck is often onsite for snacks. Reddit

🍄 Foraging Fun

Plenty of mushrooms to be found, especially for foragers in autumn. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(106 reviews)

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

Beautiful reservoir walks
Mystic stone circle
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Parking charges
Dam not always flowing
Challenging access roads

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Using a GPS or map is recommended. Be aware that mobile signal can be unreliable in the area, especially for payment apps. Reddit

Public transport to Fernworthy Reservoir is very limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider it a destination for a scenic drive. Reddit

Expect winding lanes, potential for passing places, and beautiful rural scenery. It's part of the Dartmoor experience. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is a dedicated car park with a fee. Ensure you have a reliable way to pay, as mobile signal can be an issue. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for entry to Fernworthy. You only need to pay for parking upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there are stone circles and avenues in the vicinity, though finding them might require some exploration and may not be clearly signposted. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ 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. Reddit

Absolutely! Fernworthy is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Enjoy your meal with the beautiful reservoir views. Reddit

Typically, you'll find hot drinks like coffee and tea, and possibly some simple snacks. It's a convenient stop for a quick bite. Reddit

The nearest significant dining options would be in towns like Okehampton or Chagford, which are a drive away from Fernworthy. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The reservoir itself offers beautiful reflections and landscapes, especially during autumn. The stone circle provides a mystical, atmospheric shot. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Autumn colors are particularly vibrant during these times. Reddit

Yes, if you're patient! Dartmoor ponies and birds can be photographed, but remember to maintain a respectful distance. Reddit

The dam offers a unique perspective, and various points along the reservoir loop provide different angles of the water and surrounding hills. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fernworthy Reservoir offers a lovely, relatively gentle walk around the lake that's suitable for families. The open spaces are great for kids to explore, and spotting Dartmoor ponies can be a real highlight. Reddit While the main reservoir path is easy, be mindful that finding the stone circles might involve a bit more adventurous searching, which can be fun for older children. The presence of a refreshment van is a bonus for quick snacks. Reddit

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

Fernworthy is an excellent choice for solo hikers seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The walk around the reservoir is peaceful, and you're likely to encounter fewer crowds than at more popular Dartmoor sites, especially outside peak times. TikTok The opportunity to explore ancient stone circles adds an element of discovery to your solo adventure. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 Photographers

The scenic beauty of Fernworthy Reservoir makes it a prime location for photographers. The reflections on the water, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can be stunning. Reddit Autumn foliage provides a spectacular palette of colors, offering endless opportunities for landscape shots. Don't miss the chance to capture the atmospheric shots of the ancient stone circle, which adds a unique, mystical element to your portfolio. Reddit

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

Fernworthy Reservoir is situated in an area rich with prehistoric significance. Just a short walk from the main reservoir path, you can discover the Fernworthy Stone Circle. This ancient monument, dating back to the Bronze Age, is a captivating sight, often described as mystic and atmospheric. While the paths leading to it might not always be clearly marked, the effort to find it is rewarded with a sense of stepping back in time. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Drive and Access to Fernworthy

Reaching Fernworthy Reservoir involves navigating some of Dartmoor's characteristic narrow country lanes. Visitors frequently mention the potential for 'hedge rash' on their vehicles, a testament to the tight squeezes and overhanging vegetation. It's crucial to drive with caution, at a reduced speed, and be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic. Reddit

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. Reddit The journey itself, though potentially challenging, is part of the immersive Dartmoor experience, leading you to a tranquil and beautiful destination. TikTok

Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife

Fernworthy Reservoir and its surrounding forest truly shine during the autumn months. The landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it an incredibly picturesque spot for walks and photography. Reddit Visitors often rave about the 'incredible colors' during this season. Beyond the visual spectacle, autumn is also a prime time for foraging, with plenty of mushrooms to be found in the woods. Reddit

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. Reddit The reservoir's tranquil waters and surrounding natural habitat create a peaceful environment for both visitors and the local fauna.

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