Tamar Lakes
Nestled amid the idyllic British countryside and peacefully situated on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
Established in the 1820s, Lower Tamar Lake boasts a rich history. As a designated Nature Reserve, it provides an ideal sanctuary to connect with nature. Take a moment of tranquillity in the bird hide, where sightings of ospreys, sandpipers, and cormorants are possible.
Remarkably, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall cuts directly through the centre of Upper Tamar Lake!
Beyond the natural richness of both lakes, Upper Tamar Lake offers a plethora of activities catering to all preferences, complemented by an on-site café ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors what ever age. Activities including walking, canoeing, cycling, fishing, kayaking, rowing, SUP, sailing and windsurfing.
Activities at Tamar Lakes
- Walking: Set out on a close encounter with nature as you explore our way-marked walking trails tracing the scenic shorelines of both lakes. The circular path around Upper Tamar Lake spans approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km), creating an ideal route for a picturesque lakeside walk. Suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
- Parkrun: Every Saturday at 9 am, Parkrun events take place at upper Tamar Lake, providing an excellent opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts and challenge yourself in this scenic setting!
- Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and rowing are all available at Upper Tamar Lake, you can hire the equipment or self launch.
- Fishing: Upper Tamar Lake is an ideal destination for your next angling expedition, acclaimed as the top still water coarse fishery in the UK in 2021!
- Cycling: The three-mile loop surrounding the upper lake provides an enjoyable and family-friendly cycling experience.
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Info:
Where and what time to meet for activities:
Hire and launch are available when the Activity Centre is open – please check website for details.
What to bring:
Bring your own watersports equipment, wetsuits and buoyancy aids or hire ours. If you are going out on the water we recommend wearing old shoes as it can be slippery and muddy. Make sure you’re prepared for the weather – sun cream, hats and sunglasses or extra layers!
Equipment provided:
Hire watersports equipment, wetsuits and buoyancy aids. Choose from kayak, stand-up paddleboard, Canadian canoe, rowing boat or sailing dinghy.
Parking:
Parking is £2.50 for two hours, and £5 for a whole day.
Toilets:
There are public toilets, including accessible toilets.
Food:
Pay a visit to Tamar Lake Café for freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes and light lunches. Seasonal opening hours vary. The lake is also perfect for picnics.
Dogs:
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and out of the water.