The lake from the dam
1 / 19

Wimbleball Lake

4.7
·278 reviews·, United Kingdom

A stunning reservoir in Exmoor offering watersports, scenic walks, and a peaceful escape amidst nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The lake from the dam

Wimbleball Lake

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning reservoir in Exmoor offering watersports, scenic walks, and a peaceful escape amidst nature.

4.7
(278 reviews)

"Perfect for family day out. Walking trails around the lake, picnic spots, lots of open fields."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Watersports Ahead 🛶

Secure your spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other activities by booking in advance, especially during busy periods.

Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for a pleasant walk around the lake.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Impressive Wimbleball Dam

The Impressive Wimbleball Dam

Southern end of the lake

A colossal concrete structure offering panoramic views and a testament to engineering. A must-see on any walk around the lake.

Watersports Adventures

Watersports Adventures

Lake surface

From paddleboarding and kayaking to sailing, embrace the water. Many visitors rave about the opportunities for aquatic fun.

Scenic Lakeside Walks

Scenic Lakeside Walks

Circumference of the lake

Explore miles of trails with diverse terrain. Enjoy peaceful moments and stunning natural beauty on foot.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Wimbleball Lake is popular for watersports and walks. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you're planning activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and softer light for photography.

Activity Bookings & Facilities

Book watersports in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. While the lake offers a cafe and showers, note that parking and restrooms can be a walk from the main activity areas. Check the SW Lakes Trust website for the most up-to-date information on facilities and opening times.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for watersports
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, beautiful foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#brookesrowing #brookes #rowing #aviron #crew #oxford #wimbleballlake
@1zzysheps
1.2K likes • 9.4K views

Book Watersports Ahead 🛶

Secure your spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other activities by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. TikTokInstagram

Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for a pleasant walk around the lake. InstagramReddit

As part of Field Weekend, our Year 10 and 12 CCF cadets headed off to Wimbleball Lake and Plymouth, where they took part in an awesome range of activities. They tried their hand at paddle-boarding raft building, abseiling, kayaking and undertook some command tasks. When they weren't busy with all that, they enjoyed lasagne and games around the camp fire and lots of sturdy yomps! What a fabulous ...
wellingtonschool1
241 likes • 3.7K views
Do you win in the long term from your weekends? Or lose? #buildyourlife #weekendsforyou #buildthifeyouwish #youareamazing #youarepowerful #naturewalks #wildlife #somerset #wimbleballlake #environment #peaceinnature #natureispeaceful
iamlukeanning
256 likes • 4.8K views

Pack for All Weathers ☀️☁️

The weather in Exmoor can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection for a comfortable outdoor experience. Instagram

Check Facility Locations 🚻

Parking and restrooms might be a walk from the main activity areas. Plan accordingly, especially if you have young children or mobility concerns. Reddit

We went for a lovely 14km walk around Wimbleball lake the other weekend, where we got to see this ginormous dam in action at the end. Learn all about this place in my latest blog post! #wimbleballlake #wimbleball #wimbleballlakesomerset #somerset #exmoor #visitsomerset #visitexmoor #somersetwalks #exmoorwalks #dam
roostandroam.co.uk
12 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Watersports Ahead 🛶

Secure your spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, and other activities by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. TikTokInstagram

Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for a pleasant walk around the lake. InstagramReddit

Pack for All Weathers ☀️☁️

The weather in Exmoor can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection for a comfortable outdoor experience. Instagram

Check Facility Locations 🚻

Parking and restrooms might be a walk from the main activity areas. Plan accordingly, especially if you have young children or mobility concerns. Reddit

Embrace the Peace 🧘‍♀️

Wimbleball Lake offers a serene escape. Take time to relax, enjoy the views, and reset amidst nature's tranquility. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(278 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Wimbleball Lake for its beautiful scenery and diverse outdoor activities, particularly watersports and walking. The peaceful atmosphere and impressive dam are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some minor drawbacks include the distance of facilities from parking and occasional trail obstructions.

"My SUP future was born here, so was my friends and my sons. Great team, great activities. Safety of uses are paramount. We have enjoyed camping, coffee and the lake. Beautiful part of my world.."

moitai1000

"Nice walk around the lake, but three trees down across the paths made it difficult.some parts are difficult and down to single track."

Paul Lonsdale

"New discovery for me and not very far from Bristol. Definitely a place to explore and launch if you are into paddle board or kayak. Nice camping area near by as well. I enjoyed my visit there and will definitely come back to it. Recommended if you are visiting north Devon"

Rahman Amin

What People Like

Beautiful lake scenery
Great for watersports
Peaceful walking trails

What People Dislike

Facilities distance
Trail obstructions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wimbleball Lake is located in Exmoor National Park, Somerset. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. The nearest major towns are Dulverton and Bampton. Consider using a GPS or mapping service for precise directions. Instagram

Public transport options to Wimbleball Lake are limited. While buses may serve nearby towns, a car is generally the most convenient way to reach the lake and explore the surrounding area. Instagram

The primary way to explore Wimbleball Lake is by walking the trails around its perimeter. For water activities, you'll be on the lake itself. Cycling is also an option on designated paths. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available at Wimbleball Lake. However, some visitors note that the parking areas can be a distance from the main activity hubs and picnic spots. Reddit

While there isn't a single street address, you can use 'Wimbleball Lake, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9NU' for navigation purposes. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Wimbleball Lake itself is generally free. However, there may be charges for parking and for specific watersports activities or equipment hire. It's best to check the SW Lakes Trust website for current fees. Reddit

Wimbleball Lake is typically open year-round for visitors to enjoy walks and the scenery. Specific activity centres or cafes may have seasonal opening hours, so it's advisable to check their schedules. Instagram

Yes, booking watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee your participation. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is a camping area near Wimbleball Lake, offering a great option for those wanting to extend their stay and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit

Wimbleball Lake is generally dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions along for walks. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Wimbleball Lake offers a range of activities including walking, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and raft building. It's a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families. TikTokInstagram+1

A full walk around Wimbleball Lake can take approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks you take. Some sections can be challenging. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, there are several picnic spots around Wimbleball Lake, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. Reddit

The Wimbleball Dam is a significant concrete structure that forms part of the reservoir. It's an impressive sight and a key feature for those walking the lake's perimeter. Instagram

Absolutely! Wimbleball Lake is a perfect destination for a family day out, with opportunities for watersports, walking, and enjoying the open spaces. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe at Wimbleball Lake where you can purchase refreshments, coffee, and snacks. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option at Wimbleball Lake, with several designated picnic areas available. Reddit

While there are limited dining options directly at the lake, nearby towns like Dulverton and Bampton offer a selection of pubs and restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Wimbleball Lake offers stunning scenery for photography, especially the dam, the reflections on the water, and the surrounding Exmoor landscape. Early mornings and late afternoons provide beautiful light. Instagram+1

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Wimbleball Lake. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with SW Lakes Trust or local authorities regarding permission and restrictions before flying a drone over Wimbleball Lake. Instagram

You might spot various bird species, and if you're lucky, other local wildlife in the Exmoor National Park surrounding the lake. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wimbleball Lake is a fantastic destination for families looking for an active day out. The watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking are a huge hit with children, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the lake. TikTokInstagram The walking trails provide opportunities for little legs to stretch, with plenty of open spaces for picnics and games. Reddit Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be aware that the restrooms and parking can be a bit of a walk from the main activity areas, so plan accordingly. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers

For those seeking solitude and a connection with nature, Wimbleball Lake offers a peaceful retreat. The circular walk around the lake is a rewarding challenge, providing stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. Instagram+1 You can enjoy the tranquility, practice mindfulness, or simply soak in the scenery. Instagram+1 The lake is also a great spot for paddleboarding or kayaking solo, allowing for personal exploration at your own pace. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Wimbleball Lake is a dog-friendly destination, making it an ideal spot for a day out with your furry friend. Dogs are welcome to join you on the walking trails around the lake, allowing them to enjoy the fresh air and explore the beautiful surroundings. Reddit Just remember to keep your dog under control and always clean up after them to help maintain the cleanliness of the area for everyone. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Watersports at Wimbleball Lake

Wimbleball Lake is a prime destination for a variety of watersports, making it a hub for adventure seekers. Paddleboarding and kayaking are incredibly popular, with many visitors sharing their positive experiences of launching from the shore or activity centres. TikTokInstagram The calm waters are ideal for beginners, while more experienced individuals can enjoy exploring the expanse of the reservoir. Other activities available include sailing and raft building, offering diverse ways to engage with the lake.

It's highly recommended to book your watersports sessions in advance, especially during peak times like summer weekends, to avoid disappointment. The SW Lakes Trust often manages these activities, and their website is the best resource for checking availability, pricing, and booking procedures. Safety is paramount, and instructors are usually on hand to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants. Instagram

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading out for your watersports adventure. While the lake is beautiful in sunshine, conditions can change, and appropriate gear and preparation are key to a safe and fun day on the water. Instagram

Exploring the Trails: Walking Wimbleball Lake

The walk around Wimbleball Lake is a major draw for visitors, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Exmoor. The circular route provides varied scenery, from open paths to more rugged sections, and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. InstagramReddit+1 Some sections of the path can be challenging, with inclines and uneven terrain, so wearing sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots is strongly advised. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning vistas, especially the impressive Wimbleball Dam which is a significant landmark along the route. Instagram+1 The trails are generally well-maintained, though occasionally natural obstacles like fallen trees can occur, requiring a bit of navigation. Reddit It's a fantastic way to experience the tranquility of the area and get some exercise, making it a perfect activity for individuals, couples, and families alike. Instagram

For those who enjoy photography, the lake offers numerous opportunities to capture beautiful landscapes, reflections, and the surrounding wildlife. The best times for photography are often during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and dramatic. Instagram

Wimbleball Lake: A Reservoir's Role

Wimbleball Lake is not just a recreational spot; it's a vital public reservoir managed by SW Lakes Trust. Its primary function is to supply water to the surrounding region, playing a crucial role in the local infrastructure. The creation of the lake involved the construction of the substantial Wimbleball Dam, a feat of engineering that is now a notable feature of the landscape. Instagram

The reservoir's presence has transformed the area into a haven for outdoor activities. The vast expanse of water is ideal for watersports, while the surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. This dual purpose – essential water supply and recreational hub – makes Wimbleball Lake a unique and valuable asset to Somerset and Exmoor. Instagram+1

While the lake is a source of water, it's important for visitors to be mindful of its purpose and to follow any guidelines set by SW Lakes Trust to ensure its continued function and the preservation of its natural environment. Instagram

You may also like