Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

Beautiful reservoir in the north west section of Dartmoor National Park

Meldon Reservoir, or Meldon, is a local Dartmoor beauty spot in the north west section of the National Park. The reservoir sits below Yes Tor and High Willhays which are the only two mountains in southern England.

A vast dam wall rises from the floor of the West Okement Valley. The reservoir sits behind this dam wall and extends to the foot of the Upper West Okement Valley. The West Okement River flows north from the dam wall into the Lower West Okement Valley in which you'll see the much photographed Meldon Viaduct. The setting is glorious. Whilst huge numbers of people specifically visit Meldon Reservoir for views, picnics and walks, it's also one of the best starting points from which to explore the highest ground in Dartmoor National Park.

 

Directions to Meldon Reservoir

The A30 skirts the northern boundary of Dartmoor National Park. The exit for Meldon Reservoir is on the eastbound side of the road (traffic heading in the direction of Exeter). Note that there is no exit for Meldon Reservoir on the westbound side of the road. From whichever direction you are coming, head for the major A30 junction Sourton Down. Drive onto the eastbound side of the road and very shortly you'll see an Okehampton turning on you left by a bridge spanning the A30. Take that exit and then turn right over the bridge to the hamlet Meldon. Drive through the hamlet and turn hard left to get to the reservoir.

We've positioned Meldon Reservoir on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

If you're coming from Okehampton, take the Tavistock Road out of town. This leads to the abovementioned bridge spanning the A30.

 

Parking

There's a large car parking area on the north side of the reservoir dam wall. Note that there are public toilets and information boards there.

 

Meldon Reservoir Dam wall

Steps rise from the top of the car park and connect to a tarmac road that drops down to the reservoir dam wall. Walk across the dam wall and enjoy the views across the reservoir and the down the Lower West Okement Valley to Meldon Viaduct.

 

Picnics

Once you've crossed the dam wall, turn right and follow the path along the side of the reservoir and very shortly you'll come to a picnic area. The views from here are stunning.

 

Walking Meldon Reservoir

A good path runs along the east side of Meldon Reservoir and takes you to the foot of the Upper West Okement Valley in which sits Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve.

Start from Meldon Reservoir car park on the north side of the dam. Cross the dam wall to the east side of the reservoir. Turn right and follow the side of the reservoir past the picnic area and continue all the way to the far end of the water. You pass a pretty island at the bottom of Meldon Reservoir.

There are many routes you can take from the bottom end of the reservoir. The easiest, that most people take, is to walk back on the path you've just used.

Alternatively, walk up the Upper West Okement Valley to the beginning of Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve. Yomp up the hill to Black Tor (North Dartmoor). Follow the very obvious army track over Longstone Hill to the reservoir dam wall. Cross it and return to the car park.

For a longer version of this route, walk through Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve to the top of the Upper West Okement Valley. Yomp up to High Willhays and then down to Black Tor before connecting to the track on Longstone Hill.

Last, from the bottom end of Meldon Reservoir, you can cross the West Okement River on a weir bridge by the weir marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. It's then a steep climb up to the Prewley Moor area. Connect with the West Devon Way/Two Castles Trail and then take the path that splits off these across South Down back to Meldon Reservoir car park. Refer to the OS map for detail. Note that the bridge at the bottom of Meldon Reservoir is blocked off. You need to take the very narrow weir bridge a little further upstream.

 

Walking the Meldon Reservoir area

Meldon Reservoir sits below the highest ground in Dartmoor National Park and southern England. Head up to Yes Tor and High Willhays.

 

Tors

Yes Tor.

High Willhays.

Black Tor (North Dartmoor).

Lints Tor.

Shelstone Tor.

 

Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve

Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is situated about half way up the Upper West Okement Valley. It's a remarkable place.

 

Valleys

Meldon Reservoir sits between the Upper West Okement Valley and the Lower West Okement Valley.

 

Meldon Viaduct

Stand on Meldon Reservoir Dam wall looking north and you'll see the wonderful Meldon Viaduct spanning the valley. These days, the viaduct is part of the multi-use recreational route the Granite Way. Whilst you can cycle or walk across the viaduct on the Granite Way, you can also walk under it as part of a circular walk from Meldon Reservoir car park.

Start at the car park. Walk over the dam wall and turn left. A path gently descends along the east wall of the valley to Meldon Viaduct. Pass under the structure and cross the West Okement River on the footbridge in Meldon Woods (marked FB on the OS map). Walk back under the viaduct, past Meldon Pool and the path takes you back to the car park.

 

Granite Way

You can access the Granite Way near Meldon Reservoir car park. Walk/cycle back up the road from the car park to the hamlet Meldon. You'll see a sign and steps across the road taking you onto the Granite Way.

 

Okehampton

Explore this Dartmoor gateway town that's near Meldon Reservoir.

 

Lydford

Explore this popular Dartmoor village near Meldon Reservoir.

 

Places to eat and drink around Meldon Reservoir

Bearslake Inn in Lake.

The Highwayman Inn in Sourton.

The White Hart Hotel in Okehampton.

Lydford The Castle Inn in Lydford.

The Dartmoor Inn in Lydford.

 

Bluebells

Last, Meldon Woods are known locally for their amazing bluebells. If you're on holiday in Dartmoor in spring, visit!