Venford Reservoir, Holne, Dartmoor National Park
Superb location at the foot of Dartmoor's south moor and next to the Dart Gorge
Venford Reservoir is in a superb location at the foot of Dartmoor's south moor and next to the Dart Gorge which is one of the National Park's most popular and beautiful natural attractions. Visitors head to this area between Ashburton and Dartmeet to walk, wild swim, picnic and enjoy some of Dartmoor's best views. It's a great place and essential visiting.
Directions to Venford Reservoir
Most people access Venford Reservoir from the Ashburton area. Drive west of the town past River Dart Country Park and you cross Holne Bridge. Continue west and you come to a fork in the road. The right fork leads to New Bridge (Newbridge) and Spitchwick (Deeper Marsh/Spitchwick Common). The left fork climbs to Holne and then high moorland. The moorland road takes you to Venford Reservoir Dam wall and Venford Reservoir.
Clearly, there are many other routes to the Venford Reservoir area. For example, you can follow the road that climbs from Dartmeet to Hexworthy. From there, the road passes Combestone Tor to Venford Reservoir.
Parking at Venford Reservoir
There are two large car parking areas on either side of Venford Reservoir Dam wall.
Picnis at Venford Reservoir
Whilst you can picnic by the reservoir, we'd recommend the gentle walk to Bench Tor that tops a spur jutting into the Dart Gorge. It's an amazing spot providing sublime views.
Walking Venford Reservoir
A path runs around Venford Reservoir as marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.
Walking the Venford Reservoir area
This is prime Dartmoor walking country.
Bench Tor and Bench Tor Circular Walk.
Dart Gorge Venford Reservoir to New Bridge South Bank Walk.
Tors by Venford Reservoir
On the other side of the Dart Gorge, we'd recommend:
Sharp Tor (Dartmeet/East Dartmoor).
Prehistory near Venford Reservoir
There are stone rows just west of Venford Reservoir but they are tricky to find.
Yar Tor Stone Row is above Dartmeet.
Stall Moor Stone Row. The northern end of the longest stone row in the world is on Green Hill. One route to this is from the Venford Reservoir car parks.
Monastic Route near Venford Reservoir
Buckfast to Tavistock Monastic Route.
Wild swimming in the Venford Reservoir area
Spitchwick (Deeper Marsh/Spitchwick Common).
Dart Gorge Dartmeet to Luckey Tor North Bank Walk.
Wildlife in the Venford Reservoir area
Places to eat and drink around Venford Reservoir
Dartmeet
The East Dart River and West Dart River combine to form the River Dart at Dartmeet. Dartmeet is known for its ruined clapper bridge and stepping stones.
Ashburton
Ashburton is one of Dartmoor's major gateway towns. Explore before or after your visit to Venford Reservoir.
Buckfastleigh and Buckfast
Buckfastleigh and Buckfast are packed with visitor attractions. Try:
Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies.
Photo Gallery
