Cornwall's Lakes

Cornwall is a county famed for its coasts, on its highest points you can see the waters stretch from both north and south, as far as the eye can see. But I thought this month I would consider a different kind of water, as well as the salty waves that crash our shores, Cornwall is also home to some beautiful lakes. Still, serene but if you want it, fabulous active fun.

One I often frequent, mainly because of the very tasty cafe on site, is Siblyback lake on Bodmin Moor. As you drive down the little road to enter this tranquil spot you are treated with a great view of the lake, actually a man-made reservoir. The sun hits the waters and shines silver bright, often in the fields surrounding you can find those fabulous hairy cows I am so fond of. 

Truth be told this is a popular spot, at least at the entrance, so you are sure to find plenty of families making the most of the fresh air, play park and those afore mentioned fabulous cafe treats. 

Olive & Co have a refreshing menu, I recently sampled their breakfast and it was a wholesome feast! 

The walk around the lake probably takes about an hour, and that is where you get your peace and quiet. It's lovely looking at the rolling hills around and the colours of the bracken changing through the seasons. The dam is impressive to see, and thrilling for kids to walk over!

There is an activity centre on site so you can kayak or canoe, SUP or even fish. 

Siblyback is the lake I am most familiar with, but just up the road, still on the Moors is Colliford Lake. It's Cornwall's largest inland lake, apparently the size of 682 football pitches! Less developed here, and you can't walk all around, but it is a haven for wildlife and the odd pony, so a beautiful place for a picnic. 

The largest overall is Loe Pool, a natural lake that is separated by the sea by a strip of sand. Near Helston, this lake is rather stunning, the boundary always shifting as the waves move the sand in new directions. It's a haven for wildlife with 1,200 wildfowl spotted, with nearly 80 species identified. 

A place of legend too, Loe Pool is thought to be the lake that Sir Bedivere cast King Arthur's sword Excalibur into. Tennyson's poem mentions the lake in its verse. A beautiful place to wander, but be careful not to swim too deeply as the currents make this an unpredictable place. 

Stithian's reservoir down West has plenty of activities you can do, windsurfing, trout fishing, sailing, foiling, the list goes on. You can also camp by the lake and there is handy cafe to make the most of your day out. Called Wild Vibes, the food looks delicious, though I'm yet to sample myself. 

Crowdy lake is at the Northern tip of Bodmin Moor, no activities here, just tranquillity. The perfect place to see starling murmurations or spot beautiful blue butterflies. 

If you head to our border with Devon, you'll find the Tamar lakes which are are wonderful to explore. Near bustling Bude its a perfect family day out. You can hire a bike, go for a run or stroll along the 3 mile circular path suitable of wheelchair users or pushchairs. There's a family friendly cafe and camping as well. 

Plenty to tempt us away for those sandy beaches, and as we finally have some sun, I am rearing to get going! You can find out more about the lakes by visiting the South West Lakes Trust.