Wimbleball Lake Loop
Somerset
Wimbleball Lake sits in the Haddon Hills on the southern edge of Exmoor, and this 4.8 km loop follows the shoreline through mixed woodland and open grassland with views across the reservoir to the moorland above. The lake is managed by South West Lakes Trust with well-maintained paths around the perimeter, and the landscape shifts between sheltered lakeside sections beneath mature oak and beech and more exposed stretches where the reservoir opens up and the Exmoor skyline dominates. The 74 metres of climbing is gentle and spread around the circuit, with no steep sections. The reservoir level fluctuates seasonally, exposing muddy banks and shingle beaches in drier months that add character to the walk.
This is an excellent dog friendly walk with high off-lead potential and low livestock risk, making it one of the most relaxed lakeside outings on Exmoor. The shoreline provides multiple water access points where dogs can wade and swim — the beaches exposed at lower water levels are particularly popular. The woodland sections carry rich scent from damp leaf litter and waterside vegetation, while the open stretches offer views and breeze. The terrain suits dogs of all fitness levels, and the sheltered lakeside microclimate makes this a good option when the exposed moor is too wild. Facilities including toilets and a cafe are available at the main visitor area. The combination of accessible terrain, water access and genuine scenic quality makes Wimbleball a strong all-round choice.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Café, toilets, changing rooms and children's play area at the lake centre
- Parking
- Wimbleball Lake North East Car Park (TA22 9NU); £2.50 for 2 hours, £5 all day; coins only or PayByPhone
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wimbleball Lake Loop dog friendly?
Wimbleball Lake Loop is a great choice for dogs, earning a rating of 8/10 on our directory. The 4.8 km circuit offers multiple water access points where dogs can wade and swim, well-maintained paths through woodland and open grassland, and low livestock risk throughout. It's one of the more relaxed lakeside outings on Exmoor, and the gentle terrain suits dogs of all fitness levels.
Can dogs be off lead at Wimbleball Lake Loop?
The off-lead potential here is high, particularly along the woodland and shoreline sections where livestock risk is low. The sheltered lakeside paths and open stretches around the reservoir give dogs plenty of room to roam freely, and the varied terrain , damp leaf litter, shingle beaches, and waterside vegetation , makes for an engaging and stimulating walk.
What should I know before visiting Wimbleball Lake Loop with my dog?
Parking is at Wimbleball Lake North East Car Park (TA22 9NU) and costs £2.50 for 2 hours or £5 all day , bring coins or use PayByPhone, as no card payment is available on site. The lake is managed by South West Lakes Trust and facilities at the main visitor area include a café, toilets, changing rooms, and a children's play area. Bear in mind that the reservoir level fluctuates seasonally, so the exposed shingle beaches and muddy banks are more of a feature in drier months.
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