Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton
15th June 2021
Plans to create Meldon reservoir were started around 1962. It wasn’t until 1970 that construction work started despite many attemps to block it. The construction was completed in 1972. The reservoir was created by damming the West Okement River. The reservoir is about 3/4 mile long, 1000 ft wide and approx. 130ft deep in places.
Now the reservoir is a local beauty spot with two marked walking routes approx 4.5 miles and 1.5 miles long.
The longer route crosses the dam and follows the reservoir around to the rights. There is a nice picnic area along here.
The shorter route follows the path of the stream at the bottom of the dam and meets up at the carpark to the viaduct. There are some great spots along the stream to stop, sit and relax.
At the time of writing the bridge back across the stream (part of the loop back to the car park) was damaged, so we ending up going back the way we came.
A lovely place to visit and a great place for a picnic. Walking boots or trainers though as it is an old quarry and there are a few ‘ups and downs’….but that all adds to the fun!
Meldon Reservoir is in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, just off the A30.
Address : Meldon Reservoir, Meldon, Okehampton EX20 4LU
What3words: https://w3w.co/corrupted.viewers.hasten
Note, the official postcode was a little way out which is why we used what3words.
Car Park Details: The post code for the car park is: EX20 4LU
What3words: starfish.idealist.removals
Address : Meldon Reservoir, Meldon, Okehampton EX20 4LU
What3words: https://w3w.co/corrupted.viewers.hasten
Note, the official postcode was a little way out which is why we used what3words.
Car Park Details: The post code for the car park is: EX20 4LU
What3words: starfish.idealist.removals
Yes, from the car park there are two walking routes. The first walk is around the reservoir and a 4.6 mile round walk. The second walk follows the stream below and is about 1.5 miles, again a round walk back to the car park. The second walk takes you close to the viaduct.
Yes there is a car park which is open all year.
Entry to the reservoir is free but there are charges for parking. £1 for up to 3 hours and £2 for over 3 hours. The car park may be locked overnight. There is a small amout of parking outside the car park.
The post code for the car park is: EX20 4LU
What3words: starfish.idealist.removals
Entry to the reservoir is free but there are charges for parking. £1 for up to 3 hours and £2 for over 3 hours. The car park may be locked overnight. There is a small amout of parking outside the car park.
The post code for the car park is: EX20 4LU
What3words: starfish.idealist.removals
Yes, there are toilet facilities which are open 7 days a week. These are closed during cleaning.
No, there is no swimming allowed. Ther are a few streams below the dam which you can dip your toes though!
Torrington Commons
The Tarka Trail
Attractions Nearby:
Lydford Gorge
Cholwell Riding Stables
Download our Google map ‘HERE’ which has lots of places to visit around North Devon
