Tamar Lakes
These two pretty reservoirs sit on the border of Cornwall and Devon. The area is popular with water sports enthusiasts with activities including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
There's also some nice waterside footpaths for walkers to try. You can park at the Lower Tamar Lake and then head north along the River Tamar to the Upper Lake. Then follow a circular path around the upper lake before returning to the car park. There's nice views across the water to some attractive surrounding countryside as you go. You can also look out for various water loving birds from the on site hide at the lower lake.
Postcode
EX23 9SB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsTamar Lakes Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Tamar Lakes Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Tamar Lakes OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Tamar Lakes Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a nice cafe at the upper lake activity centre where you can enjoy some post walk refreshment.
Dog Walking
The lakeside paths make for a fine dog walk though you are asked to keep them on leads.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your waterside walking in the area head south to visit the expansive Roadford Lake.
You could also enjoy a walk to the old railway viaducts in the nearby town of Holsworthy.
The Tamara Coast To Coast Way passes the lakes. The 89 mile route runs from Cremyll in south Cornwall to Morwenstow on the northern coast.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lake viewed from the footpath and track to the west of the lake.
View from the upper lake dam
Upper Tamar Lake dam. From the car park looking north-east. A couple of wind-surfers on the lake.
Bird hide, Lower Tamar Lake. These lakes originally provided water for the Bude Canal, and provide drinking water for Bude. The Lower Lake is predominantly managed as a nature reserve as it is popular with many wildfowl, and the bird hide is open to the public.
Outflow from the Upper Lake. Looking downstream from the dam with the Lower Lake in the distance.
Lower Lake spillway