Fernworthy Reservoir — Local services in West Devon

Very nice but could have been better. Getting there. Well signed from Chagford but then all signs dry up and you start to wonder if you are going the right way? Go over a cattle grid onto the Moor with a No Through Road sign. Is this right? No mention of a reservoir at all and no sign of it either. The first time we turned back convinced we had gone wrong and tried again. No, we were right so pressed on and yes! We found it. Even when yo get to the car park the reservoir is barely visible! I paid with coin, not sure if the card option was working. No food trailer (mid July 2025) so that was disappointing. The toilets were in an awful state, rubbish bins overflowing, no toilet paper, horrible so my Mrs refused to use them. We went on the reservoir round walk. Anywhere that says one hour is dreaming. Minimum two hours. The dam is impressive but we were VERY disappointed not to be allowed out onto the dam wall as the gates either side were padlocked. None of the other sites of interest are signposted so unless you know they are there, tough luck! Saw zero wildlife and no orchids which was also disappointing. The opposite end to the dam is particularly uninteresting. I would go again but better prepared! My photos are just like every others...

We arrived for an early morning walk the dog and I to do the full circuit. It was lovely and peaceful with only the birds singing and the sound of the rain on the carpark trees. I paid for all day parking thinking that after our first walk we would return back to our camper for coffee and cake before heading out again for another walk. This was the plan for the whole day. When we returned to the carpark an hour or so later there were more cars parked and a tractor towing a tea wagon. The beauty of the location totally ruined by the smell of petrol and dreadful hum from a generator. Why O why do the powers at be think this is a good idea. £4.30 wasted for a full days parking . If I had wanted that racket I would have gone to a boot fair not a beautiful spot such...

A lovely place, beautiful and quiet. A very well-kept path encircles the reservoir, taking you from the water's edge to across some grazing fields. The forest is wonderfully Dartmoor - damp, green, moss covered rocks and trees, gurgling streams, little bridges. The walk was perfect for little legs, our children enjoyed the different terrain and the impressive dam at the end (or start, depending on your direction) was awe inspiring. Only a shame the reservoir level, which looked close to full, wasn't to the point of the water pouring over the spillway. All in all a perfect place for an easy Dartmoor stroll. Toilets...