Burrator Reservoir, Plymouth, South Devon
Stunning reservoir fringed by plantations and tors in the south west section of Dartmoor National Park
Burrator Reservoir, or Burrator, is an exceptionally popular Dartmoor beauty spot in the south west section of the National Park. It sits below the busy B3212 between Princetown and Yelverton.
Fringed by plantations, tors and moorland, the Burrator Reservoir area is a concentrated version of Dartmoor. Two dam walls sit at the southern end of the reservoir. The water arcs north east. A road and various paths run around the reservoir. There are plenty of car parks from which to explore the area.
Directions to Burrator Reservoir
Most visitors access Burrator Reservoir via the B3212. Head for Dousland. When there, take the road south to Meavy. As you approach Meavy, the road splits. Take the left fork east around the bottom of Yennadon Down. You'll pass a car park on your left before you get to the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall. The road runs around Burrator Reservoir. Refer to the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map for detail.
Note that you can follow various skinny moorland roads to Burrator Reservoir. For example, one drops down from the B3212 via Lowery Cross. Others pass through Meavy and Sheepstor. Again, consult the Ordnance Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map for detail.
Parking at Burrator Reservoir
There are plenty of car parks along the road that runs around Burrator Reservoir. The main car parks are at the south end of the reservoir near the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall and at the north east end of the reservoir by Norsworthy Bridge.
There's parking by Burrator Arboretum and Nature Reserve and at Burrator Discovery Centre (for that attraction).
In addition, there are car parking areas above the reservoir. The one at Lowery Cross by the B3212 is popular.
Note that you can park on the side of the road near the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall but follow instructions on local signs.
Ice cream vans
There are usually ice cream vans at the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall and near Norsworthy Bridge.
Burrator Discovery Centre
Burrator Discovery Centre is located on the west side of the reservoir just up the road from the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall. It's a great place to discover more about the area. The centre includes information about local history, the building of the reservoir, local wildlife and leisure.
Burrator Reservoir Dam walls
There are two dam walls at the southern end of Burrator Reservoir. The main wall is huge and you can drive, cycle, walk etc across the top of it. It provides super views up the reservoir. You can also walk to its base on a path that drops down from the west side of the valley.
The second dam wall is a little further east. It's shallow but also provides wonderful views.
Picnics
The Norsworthy Bridge area at the north east end of the reservoir is popular for family picnics.
Walking Burrator Reservoir
We'd recommend the Burrator Reservoir circular walk. Paths and road run around the reservoir.
For huge views, head up to the top of Sheeps Tor from Burrator Reservoir. It's a bit of a slog but the views are magnificent.
Also enjoy the views over Burrator Reservoir area from Sharpitor just off the B3212 Yelverton/Princetown road.
Walking the Burrator Reservoir area
You can walk onto high moorland from Burrator Reservoir. We'd recommend a yomp across the moor to Down Tor Stone Row (Hingston Hill Stone Row).
Tors near Burrator Reservoir
Sheeps Tor. This is the massive, rocky tor to the east of Burrator Reservoir. Paths rise to the top from all directions but we tend to start from the car parking area by Burrator Arboretum and Nature Reserve.
Leather Tor. Beautiful fin of granite just north of the reservoir. One of the best places to scramble on Dartmoor. Big drops so take care.
Sharpitor (Princetown/West Dartmoor). Another tor north of Burrator Reservoir and close to the busy B3212. Easily accessible and popular.
Down Tor. Super tor located north east of the water close to the remarkable Down Tor Stone Row (Hingston Hill Stone Row).
Prehistory near Burrator Reservoir
Down Tor Stone Row (Hingston Hill Stone Row). Remarkable stone row just east of Down Tor.
Drizzle Combe (Drizzlecombe). Famous prehistoric complex further away to the east and south east.
Cycling around Burrator Reservoir
It's fun to cycle around Burrator Reservoir on the tarmac road.
For a more demanding family ride, try the Granite and Gears Princetown Railway Cycling Routes.
For a challenge, try the Granite and Gears Princetown and Burrator Cycling Route.
Views around Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir Dam walls. The classic reservoir view is from the main dam wall. The views from the smaller dam wall are, however, more impressive.
Sheeps Tor. Provides magnificent views of Burrator Reservoir and Dartmoor's south moor.
Leather Tor and Sharpitor (Princetown/West Dartmoor). Both tors offer top views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
Granite and Gears Princetown Railway Cycling Routes. There's a disused railway trackbed high above the main dam wall and Burrator Discovery Centre. This provides amazing views over the reservoir to Sheeps Tor.
Burrator Arboretum Nature Reserve
Burrator Arboretum and Nature Reserve. Great place at the north east end of the reservoir. Note that there's a car parking area by the arboretum.
Princetown
Princetown National Park Visitor Centre. To learn more about Dartmoor National Park we'd recommend a trip to the visitor centre in Princetown.
Dartmoor Prison Museum. Whilst you are there, wander up to Dartmoor Prison Museum. One of the Westcountry's quirkiest museums!
Places to eat and drink around Burrator Reservoir
Picnics. There are various picnic areas around the reservoir. The Norsworthy Bridge area at the north east end of the reservoir is popular for family picnics.
Ice cream vans. There are usually ice cream vans at the main Burrator Reservoir Dam wall and near Norsworthy Bridge.
Pubs. The Royal Oak Inn is nearby in a beautiful village setting.
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