Burrator Reservoir, Yelverton, Dartmoor National Park

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.

For huge views, try the Burrator and Sheepstor Circular Walk.

Also try the Peek Hill and Burrator Circular Walk.

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.

Leather Tor.