Burrator Reservoir Circular
Devon
Burrator Reservoir was built in 1898 to supply Plymouth with fresh water and sits in a wooded valley on the western edge of Dartmoor. This 7.2 km circuit follows the reservoir's shoreline through mixed woodland, crossing the main dam wall and passing the medieval ruins of Langstone Manor, Narrator Brook and a small waterfall on the final stretch. The 179 m of elevation gain is spread gently around the circuit, and the paths are mostly flat and well surfaced, making this one of the more accessible routes on Dartmoor. The combination of still water, mature trees and glimpses of open moorland above gives the walk a contained but attractive character quite different from the exposed tor walks elsewhere on the moor.
This is a dog friendly walk that works well for dogs who find open moorland terrain difficult. The woodland air is layered with damp leaf mould, mossy stone and occasional sharp sweetness from the conifer sections, and the reservoir surface creates a cool, calm atmosphere even on warmer days. Dogs must be kept on leads throughout as a water authority requirement, and it is important to keep dogs out of the water itself during summer months when blue-green algae can affect the reservoir. The mostly flat, well-surfaced paths suit older dogs or those with joint issues, and the gentle terrain means this is accessible to dogs of all fitness levels. An ice cream van typically parks at Norsworthy Bridge during busy periods, making a natural halfway stop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Burrator Discovery Centre on the western shore; Royal Oak pub at Meavy village (dog friendly, 500 m from route)
- Parking
- Burrator Dam car park or Norsworthy Bridge roadside parking, PL20 6PE. Free to park
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrator Reservoir Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Burrator Reservoir Circular is a great choice for dogs and earns a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness. The mostly flat, well-surfaced paths suit dogs of all ages and fitness levels, including older dogs or those with joint issues, and the woodland setting makes for a rich and enjoyable sensory experience.
Can dogs be off lead at Burrator Reservoir Circular?
Unfortunately not , dogs must be kept on leads throughout the entire circuit as a requirement of South West Water, who manage the reservoir. It's worth planning for this before you go, particularly if your dog isn't used to walking on lead for the full 7.2 km.
What should I know before visiting Burrator Reservoir Circular with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is that dogs must stay out of the water during summer months, when blue-green algae can affect the reservoir and poses a serious risk to dogs. Leads are required at all times as a water authority rule, and it's worth noting there's a dog friendly pub, the Royal Oak at Meavy, just 500 m from the route if you fancy a stop after the walk.
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