Clatworthy Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Clatworthy Reservoir is a large body of water in Somerset, built in 1959 and opened in 1961 to supply water to nearby communities. The dam crosses a valley flooded by the waters, with the landscape shaped by open fields, patches of woodland, and views toward Exmoor's hills.
The reservoir was built in 1959 and opened in 1961 to supply water to nearby areas. Its creation flooded several villages and settlements, including Syndercombe, which had homes, a mill, and a farm that now lie underwater.
The name Clatworthy comes from Old English and refers to a farm where a plant called burdock grew. Today, visitors experience the place as a gateway to outdoor activities, blending its historical origins with how people use the water and land for recreation.
The site is easy to visit with parking available near the dam and toilets on hand, though there is no cafe at the location. The roads from Taunton are narrow and not suited for large vehicles, so plan to drive a regular car and allow extra time on winding country routes.
Below the water surface lie the remains of Syndercombe, a village flooded when the reservoir was created. The lost settlement is visible only through the land's shape and old pathways that now run underwater, connecting visitors to the place's hidden past.
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