Fernworthy Reservoir, Chagford, Dartmoor National Park
Reservoir in stunning Fernworthy Forest near Chagford
High moor rises west and south of the popular Dartmoor town Chagford. On the edge of this high moor, pushing into Fernworthy Forest, is the wonderful Fernworthy Reservoir. Plenty of people think exploring forest and reservoir is one of the best Dartmoor experiences.
A massive dam wall rises in a steep-sided valley cut by the South Teign River. Fernworthy Reservoir sits behind the dam wall. In turn, Fernworthy Forest extends west and south of the water. It's an awesome place that's great for walks, wildlife and prehistory. It's also a starting point from which to discover Dartmoor's high moor and many of its tors.
Directions to Fernworthy Reservoir
Head to Chagford. Follow Manor Road, as marked on the Ordnance Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map, south west and then south below Meldon Hill. The road splits. Take the right fork past Tunnaford and Hillhead Farm. You pass over a cattle grid just beyond where the Two Moors Way cuts across the road and the road climbs to open moorland with a wall to your right. Follow this to Fernworthy Forest. As you enter the forest, you'll see a car park to your right.
Note that there are other narrow lanes that connect with the road we describe above. These take you to the cattle grid and open moorland. Consult the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map for detail.
You can also walk in from Batworthy Corner, the Warren House Inn area and Postbridge. These are all good starting points if you fancy a long walk to Fernworthy Reservoir.
Parking at Fernworthy Reservoir
The main car park is by the entrance to Fernworthy Forest. Charges apply and there are public toilets.
There are other parking spots along the road that runs below the south side of the reservoir. The relatively small parking area at the end of this road is popular with visitors who want to walk around the reservoir or walk in the forest or head out onto the high moor.
Picnics at Fernworthy Reservoir
The superb Fernworthy Picnic Area is by the reservoir at the main car park as you enter Fernworthy Forest.
Fernworthy Reservoir Dam wall
Unlike Meldon Reservoir or Burrator Reservoir, you cannot walk across Fernworthy Reservoir Dam wall. However, paths descend to the bottom the valley in which it sits. These paths lead to the base of the wall. Great experience when the water is cascading down the face of the wall.
Walking Fernworthy Reservoir
We'd recommend the Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk.
For a shorter walk from the car park try Fernworthy Reservoir Potter's Walk.
Walking the Fernworthy Reservoir area
You can walk onto the moors from Fernworthy Reservoir. We'd recommend a trip to Sittaford Tor.
Tors near Fernworthy Reservoir
In addition to Sittaford Tor, try Watern Tor on the high moor. It's a bit of a walk but the views are immense.
Thornworthy Tor overlooks the reservoir.
Kestor Rock is on Chagford Common.
Prehistory in and around Fernworthy Reservoir
If you're interested in prehistory, visit Fernworthy Stone Circle, Fernworthy Assycombe Stone Row, Fernworthy Froggymead Stone Rows, Fernworthy Cairn Circle and Cist and Fernworthy Hut Circles.
The Grey Wethers Stone Circles is on high moor beyond Fernworthy Forest.
There's also a great deal of fascinating prehistory on Chagford Common and on Shovel Down. See Hurston Ridge/Chagford Common Stone Row and Shovel Down Stone Rows.
Scorhill Stone Circle is the most famous prehistoric site in this section of Dartmoor.
Wildlife at Fernworthy Reservoir
Chagford
Chagford is one of Dartmoor's most popular visitor destinations. Explore before or after your visit to Fernworthy Reservoir.
Places to eat and drink around Fernworthy Reservoir
Chagford is packed with pubs and cafes.
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