top of page

Meldon Reservoir

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Lakeside, Moorland, Valley

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching

Year round

Photo: Derek Harper via Geograph.org.uk

Gazing out across the windswept upland expanse of Dartmoor from nine hundred feet above sea level reveals a massive artificial lake where most isolated travellers expect to see only dry rocky grey granite tors and open wild purple heather covering the hills. Determined British civil engineers const...

8

Parking nearby

1

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

4 day, 4 overnight

The Dartmoor Inn – Lydford

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Meldon Reservoir?
Dartmoor National Park houses this artificial lake up on the high moors. Hikers encounter the deep basin within the West Okement Valley.

What type of place is Meldon Reservoir?
Meldon Reservoir is a man-made fresh water reservoir in the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.

When is the best time to visit Meldon Reservoir?
Autumn mornings provide incredible atmosphere as the thick white mist rises slowly off the calm water surface. Clear seasonal days across spring and summer also offer fantastic walking conditions.

What can you do at Meldon Reservoir?
Walking across the open stone dam allows you to experience panoramic 360 degree views across the wide windswept wilderness. Photography enthusiasts routinely capture the historic Meldon Viaduct spanning the wide valley.

How long should I spend at Meldon Reservoir?
Allocating a couple of hours gives ample time to explore the trails around the edge. Serious walkers often combine the trip with a proper ascent up to Yes Tor and High Willhays.

Where do I park at Meldon Reservoir?
Spaces for eight vehicles exist nearby, providing four day and four overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Meldon Reservoir?
The Dartmoor Inn – Lydford provides a place to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Meldon Reservoir?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Meldon Reservoir, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Free UK Travel Guides

Planning a UK adventure? Download our free itinerary guides and hidden gem collections, completely free.

Last Updated:

02 July 2026

Logo RGB_White_Stacked.png

Download the app

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get all the latest updates regarding hidden gems and staycations plus much more!

Thanks for subscribing!

Cookie Policy

Connect with us

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • TikTok
bottom of page
UK Hidden Gems
UK Hidden GemsUncover the UK's best secrets on our app