Colliford Lake, reservoir on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England
Colliford Lake is a man-made reservoir sitting on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, and it is the largest body of fresh water in the county. It sits within open moorland, surrounded by walking trails, and supplies drinking water to much of the surrounding region.
The reservoir was built in the early 1980s to meet the growing demand for water across Cornwall. Before it was flooded, the valley held farms, tracks, and other traces of long-term human use that were submerged when the water rose.
The lake takes its name from the nearby village of Colliford, and people come here mostly to walk along the water's edge and watch birds. Waterfowl gather in good numbers on the open water, making it a natural stop for anyone interested in the wildlife of the moor.
The site has free parking close by, so arriving by car is the most practical option given its moorland setting. Dogs are welcome on the open ground, and a cafe is on site, but swimming and camping are not allowed.
When water levels drop during dry periods, the tops of old structures emerge from the surface, including parts of a tin mill that would normally stay submerged. These brief appearances give visitors a rare chance to see traces of an industry that shaped the moor long before the reservoir existed.
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