Lower Tamar Lake - Kilkhampton, Bude

Pauline (Dennis) Blackford

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The Tamar Lakes are well-managed natural areas which are ideal for parties of mixed abilities as there is something for everyone, from sitting around reading or painting to a small nature ramble.

The walk starts from the small car park by the entrance to the road up to the Upper Tamar Lake Dam. From the car park, we cross the road and go through a small gate that leads us along a wide grass track, lined with trees and accompanied by the sound of birdsong. After a few hundred metres, we arrive at the first lake and there is the opportunity to try some birdwatching from the hide there. Further on, there is another, picturesque, lake on the other side of the path before we reach the Lower Tamar Lake car park with toilets. The walk now follows the lakeside to a spillway at the end. Here, we cross a bridge to the other side of the spillway on another path that passes the beginning of the Bude Aqueduct Trail. This trail is a pleasant detour and walkers can go all the way to Bude, ten miles away, should they wish, or as far as they feel they want to before returning to our walk. After crossing another, smaller, wooden bridge and meadow, we arrive back at the Lower Tamar Lake car park and toilets, before retracing our steps and returning to our vehicle.

For those who want a longer walk, or mixed parties who want different lengths of walks, there is another walk: Upper Tamar Lake Walk 4811 which joins this one after returning to the car park. This adds another 6km as it circles the Upper Lake, a large reservoir with sailing, fishing and other amenities. Alternatively, from the return journey after the second, lower, lake, you can also join the Bude Aqueduct Trail which follows the route of the old canal to Bude, ten miles away.

England - South West England - Cornwall - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Nature Trail, Wildlife

7/24/2016 - Stephen Worth

Walk done on July 23 2016, combined with walk No:4811. Very pleasant walk but the free car parking at the entrance to the Upper Tamar Lake is now closed off with a locked gate. We parked at the main car park which is £4.00 for all day parking. There are also cheaper short stay options.