The Lake lies in an upland valley at a height of 236m (775ft) and is surrounded by farmland, woodland and some heathland. The reservoir was formed by damming the River Haddeo, a tributary of the Exe. The water from Wimbleball Lake is used to supply Exeter, Mid Devon, East Devon, a small part of North Devon and West Somerset. Under the Lake and most of Exmoor lie sedimentary rocks of the Devonian system.
The Dam and Haddeo Valley
The dam was constructed between 1974 and 1979 using aggregate and sand from local quarries to maintain the pinkish colouring of the local soils. The dam is approximately 300m in length and 50m in height. The steeply wooded riverside of the Haddeo Valley below the dam attracts wildlife all year round. Heron are often seen in this area.
Managed by South West Lakes Trust, Wimbleball Lake, near Dulverton, offers a whole host of activities for all to enjoy, plus a refurbished tea-room for refreshments.
The Angling and Watersports Centre offers first class premier trout fishing from either bank or boat in a tranquil setting with acres of water. In addition to fishing, the centre offers watersports, for all to learn and enjoy. With a choice of dinghy sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, rowing and surf skis there's certainly something to suit everyone's tastes. The Centre runs a Junior Club on Saturday mornings from 9.30 - 12 noon for kids aged 8 -16 and welcomes new members. Those who haven't been on the water needn't worry as the South West Lakes Trust instructors offer a variety of tuition including taster courses.
The more experienced can enjoy the benefits of equipment hire and self launch facilities. For further details on all watersports activities and fishing call 01398 371460.
Wimbleball Lake, lies like a jewel, shimmering
amidst rolling moorland and thickly wooded areas. It is to the south
side of the moor, cradled in the shadow of Haddon Hill and is Exmoor's
largest reservoir. Well stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is a major
fishing attraction, it is also an ideal place for bird watching, with
herons, kingfishers, buzzards and kestrels to be seen on the shores of
the lake. Many other birds can be spotted in the dense woodland where
way marked walks show many species of wildlife, including deer, seen
in the clearings beyond the woods. Rare flowers, herbs and plants survive
in glades beneath the spreading, lofty treetops. It is a tranquil scene,
enlivened by watersport enthusiats who flock here for windsurfing and
canoeing. Wimbleball Lake is a place with something for every family
member.
A view along the 800m long Haddon Hill Tunnel driven by Carnon Contracting to take water
from the River Exe to Wimbleball reservoir for South West Water
Wimbleball Reservoir is a large man-made reservoir which is well naturalised.
Lakeside walks and lovely views, picnic and play areas, camping and
caravan sites. Lunches,
cream teas, locally crafted gifts and books. Trout
fishing (boat & bank). sailing Club. Open all year. Location Brompton
Regis, Near Dulverton. Follow the
brown signs.
Wimbleball Reservoir
Exmoor’s largest inland water Exciting
watersports for all – learn to sail, windsurf, kayak or hire
a rowing boat at the popular watersports centre
Explore the area on the many footpaths around the scenic lake and reward
yourself at the tea-room afterwards!
Hire a boat for a day’s trout fishing or fish from the banks of
the lake
Peaceful campsite overlooking the water
Further information: 01566 771930
info@swlakestrust.org.uk
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Whilst on Exmoor don’t miss a visit to this spectacular moorland lake near Dulverton, Somerset – follow the brown signs
Tel: 01566 771930
Wimbleball Reservoir Dam
Wimbleball Reservoir
Beesom Bridge Wimbleball Reservoir
Wimbleball Reservoir
Wimbleball Reservoir
(contributed by Andrew Caldwell of Weatherham Farm)
South West Water and Wessex Water are together responsible for water supply and sewage disposal on Exmoor. South West Water provides for the south and west part of Exmoor and Wessex Water for the north and east part, but supply and disposal areas are not identical. The Environment Agency, who have overall responsibility for water resources, is divided into larger regions and Exmoor falls within its south western region. Many people on Exmoor still rely on springs for their water supply. A few have a tendency to dry up in hot summers but most are reliable.
There are three main impounding reservoirs in the National Park: Challacombe, Nutscale and Wimbleball, with two others, Clatworthy Reservoir and Wistlandpound, just over the border. They are managed by Wessex Water (WW) and South West Water (SWW).
Reservoirs offer an attractive part of the landscape offering opportunities for walking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, and other water recreation.
Wimbleball under construction in 1978 looking North West
Low water at Wimbleball in summer 2003 looking South West
| Reservoir |
Source |
Management |
Date opened |
Capacity |
Supplies |
| Challacombe |
Tributary/ R. Bray |
SWW |
1936 |
52 ML |
Ilfracombe |
| Clatworthy |
R. Tone |
WW |
1961 |
4499 ML |
Wellington Taunton |
| Nutscale |
Chetsford Water |
WW |
1941 |
161 ML |
Minehead |
| Wimbleball Wistlandpound |
R. Haddeo Tributary/ R. Yeo |
SWW (Admin) SW/WW (Funded/Use) SWW |
1979 1955 |
21320 ML 1550 ML |
TauntonBridgwaterTiverton, Exeter Barnstaple |
The building of the dam at Wimbleball Reservoir in 1976; looking over where the dam is now - photo supplied by Gillian Payne
Wimbleball Lake, located on the eastern edge of Exmoor near Dulverton, with nearly 400 acres of water, has something for everyone, it's a place where you can walk, fish, sail and cycle or simply just relax with a good cream tea and enjoy the views.
You'll be spoilt for choice at Wimbleball with fantastic opportunities, learn dinghy sailing, windsurfing or kayaking - instructors are trained to teach all abilities and with taster sessions designed for complete beginners so there's no need to worry if you haven't done any watersports before.
For anglers there is a renowned stocked rainbow trout lake in a peaceful and tranquil setting with miles of bank, plenty of inlets and boat angling available.
The building of the dam at Wimbleball Reservoir in 1976; construction work beneath the dam - photo supplied by Gillian Payne
Camping is also available at the 30 pitch campsite which has been graded 3 pennant by the AA for the fourth year running. The site overlooks the lake near the tea-room with easy access to all site facilities. From Easter - October the kiosk offers light snacks and the childrens' play area is just a short walk from the tea-room.
Surrounded by woodland and meadows offering recreation for all, Wimbleball Lake lies within Exmoor National Park near Dulverton and is surrounded by woodland and meadows offering recreation for all.
Managed by charity South West Lakes Trust the lake offers a watersports centre for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, premier trout fishing from bank or boat and a campsite overlooking the water.
There is also a refreshment kiosk selling light snacks, drinks and locally sourced gifts along with miles of footpaths to explore and a nature reserve with a self guided nature trail.
Further details on Wimbleball Lake and the facilities available can be found on our website or by calling the watersports centre on 01398 371460
Telephone: +44 (0) 1398 371460
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Wimbleball Lake
Brompton Regis
Dulverton
Wimbleball
Somerset
TA22 9NW
Wimbleball Lake is one of the West Country's largest reservoirs, managed by South West Water and supplying a large part of Devon and Somerset. The 161ft (50m) high dam runs across the River Haddeo, a tributary of the Exe. It is accessible on foot from Haddon Hill, where there is a car park, toilets, heathland walks and Exmoor ponies. There is also a car park at Bessom Bridge at the northern end of the lake, where there is a nature reserve. The main facilities are at Cowlings, where there is a recreation area, refreshments tin season), fishing and sailing (via the Wimbleball sailing Club). Paths extend for about 10 miles (16 km) around most of the lake shore.
Easily accessed from the main car park at Wimbleball, the tea room offers the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lake with a cup of tea, a local ice cream or a delicious cake.
With a choice of indoor or outdoor seating, there is something on the menu for everyone; spoil yourself with a luxurious creamy hot chocolate or a traditional Westcountry cream tea. We are proud to serve Styles of Exmoor Ice Cream in a range of 12 flavours, and a selection of Westcountry treats.
At the tea room we can cater for groups of up to forty, perhaps a family gathering, coach party or walking group, and offer a selection of catering arrangements. Please call for further information and prices.
We also have a range of selected gifts, including local interest books and souvenirs. Gift vouchers are available in the shop or over the phone, and are redeemable against food, gifts, watersports, camping and angling.
Hill Wood
Located on the eastern bank of the Lake, this is an area of ancient sessile oak woodland which may have originally been coppiced during the twentieth century. Most of the trees are of relatively small stature and in some areas the oak seems to have been over-exploited in the past, with the canopy now being dominated by downy birch. However, in the northern arm of the wood, some older trees have been retained and there are a few mature/over-mature sessile oak and beech trees of high ecological importance. In the spring the floor of the beech wood is covered with a beautiful display of bluebells. There is a choice of footpaths through the woods, the path closest to the water being suitable for summer use.
The Upton Arm
The River Haddeo flows in from Upton village through the Upton arm of the Lake to the dam. This area is predominantly broadleaved woodland.
Lady Harriet's Drive runs along the southern bank of the Lake and was originally created to allow Lady Harriet Acland to drive between her properties. The track is now a well used bridleway.
Wimbleball Lake has a relatively small water catchment area which means that following a dry year it may not refill naturally, resulting in insufficient water storage for the next spring and summer. Due to this a pumped storage scheme was created and, if there is sufficient water in the River Exe, up to 150 megalitres of water a day can be abstracted from the river and pumped back into Wimbleball via a pipe lifting the water to a height of 150m. The water then flows through a tunnel to Haddon Hill and into Upton Arm.
Beesom and Bird Hide
On the eastern side of Bessom Bridge an example of a recently laid hedge can be seen. Beyond the causeway, at Ruggs Bay, a new wheelchair accessible bird hide is situated. Ruggs Bay is also a popular area with fishermen.
Lyddon's Grounds
The inlet of the Lake below Lyddon's Grounds is known as Cowmoor. Cowmoor is dominated by grassland meadow, and also has an area of shallows which are crossed by boardwalks. This often sheltered area attracts large numbers of birds such as gulls, geese, cormorants and dabbling ducks. The grassland between Cowmoor and West Hill Wood contains wildflowers which provide a food source for butterflies such as the Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.
Eastern Wood and the Narrows
Amongst the broadleaved trees throughout Eastern Wood, bird and bat boxes can be seen if you look carefully. In the spring and summer, this woodland is carpeted with bluebells, foxgloves and other wildflowers. In autumn, the footpaths will be lined with blackberries. From Eastern Wood to the Angling and Watersports Centre the grassland is managed as hay meadow, in this area you will see wildflowers, butterflies and damselflies.
Walks
All the walks around Wimbleball include some gradual inclines. The tracks can be muddy, particularly in winter. Sturdy footwear is advised.
Walk to Bessom: 3km/1.9m (return) A short walk from the Tea Room to Bessom Bridge following the start of the Lakeside walk (yellow route). This route offers a taste of the rural beauty of the Lake.
Waterside and Woodland Walk: 4km/2.5m (return) A peaceful walk from the Tea Room via the sailing club to the impressive Wimbleball dam and Eastern Wood. The walk follows the blue route on the map.
The Lakeside Walk: 13km/8m (circular walk) A round lake walk taking in the walk to Bessom Bridge and returning on the Waterside and Woodland walk. This route takes in a variety of landscapes and views. The walk can be completed by following the yellow trail from the Tea Room around the Lake and finishes using the blue trail from the dam back to the Tea Room.
Hurscombe Nature Reserve: 1.3 km/0.8 miles one way. A chance to get close to nature in this peaceful setting.
Cycle Trails
Please cycle only on permitted tracks as marked on this map. Cycling on footpaths is prohibited.
Family trail 3km/1.9km (return) A short off-road trail from the tea-room to Bessom Bridge following the bridleway. On site it is way-marked with a circle on signposts.
Intermediate trail 13 km/8 miles This trail includes inclines and some road cycling. It is denoted by a square on signposts. The trail follows the green route and bridleways marked on the map.
For further information on these trails or the more challenging Explorer trail please see 'Exmoor Bike It: Wimbleball Lake'. The 'Bike It' cycling leaflet, produced by Exmoor National Park Authority, is available from Exmoor National Park visitor centres at a small charge.
Hurscombe Nature Reserve
North of Bessom Bridge is Hurscombe Nature Reserve. The area comprises approximately 50 acres of various habitats, including scrub, marsh, rough grassland, woodland and water. There are ten posts to find along the nature trail.
■ POST 1
A wealth of fruit can be found along the Hurscombe Valley. During the summer, wild strawberries, cherries and wild raspberries native to the Brendon hills may be discovered. In the autumn, look for blackberries, rowans, haws, elderberries and sloes.
■ POST 2
Beech hedges on stone faced banks can be seen across Exmoor and the Brendon hills. When maintained by cutting and laying branches every 10-15 years, these hedges can provide a stock-proof boundary, shelter for animals and fuel. The hedge at post 2 has not been laid for about 40 years and dates from the early 1800's.
■ POST 3
A variety of birds may be seen from this point. Buzzards can be seen soaring high above, whilst below the great-crested grebe may be seen diving and re-emerging in the water. Mallard, wigeon, teal, pochard and tufted duck may overwinter here. Large numbers of coots winter and nest in the reserve. Amongst the trees beside the track, look . out for blue tits, robins and long tailed tits.
■ POST 4
The ash here are self-sown from trees above. Near the water's edge, alder have been planted as these trees can tolerate having their roots submerged.
■ POST 5
The steps lead towards Brimhanger oak wood, which was restored in 1984 and should grow into an established mixed oak woodland.
■ POST 6
On the slope below the path are two corrugated iron sheets under which small mammals, reptiles and amphibians may shelter and warm themselves. The slope faces east to catch the morning sun. Mice, shrews, voles, toads or slowworms may be found underneath.
■ POST 7
The trail turns left away from the bridleway. An old cottage was situated at the end of this track, dating from the thirteenth century like Hurscombe Farm, which is now under water. Many such buildings were abandoned after the Black Death c.1350.
■ POST 8
There are mature oaks in this area which host numerous lichens, mosses and ferns. Lichens consist of a fungus living in association with an alga and are very sensitive to air pollution.
■ POST 9
The beech trunks are thick with moss but, because they are smooth, there are no ferns or lichens growing on them. Bats like to roost in this dark corner shaded by the beech. The smallest European bat, the pipistrelle, may be seen here at dusk.
■ POST 10
The slope is thick with bluebells in the spring, indicating that it has never been ploughed. Each bluebell plant has two leaves which are used to provide energy to form seed and make another bulb for the next year. If the leaves are damaged, the bluebells will be unable to survive. In the summer, many butterflies can be seen in the meadow. Turn right and go downhill beside the deep marsh to the gate and stile to rejoin the bridleway.
Wimbleball Lake Tea Room & Gift Shop: 01398 371257
Wheely Boat
OS Grid Reference: SS9630 |
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