Colliford Lake, reservoir on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England
Colliford Lake is an artificial reservoir on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and the largest body of water in the county. The water spreads across approximately 900 acres and serves as a key supply source for the region while offering visitors trails and open spaces to explore.
The lake was created in the early 1980s as a water supply project to serve the region's growing needs. Archaeological remains lie beneath the water, including an old tin mill and ancient buildings that date to centuries of tin processing, a trade that once shaped Cornwall's economy.
The lake draws its name from the nearby village and serves as a place where visitors connect with the moorland landscape. People use the open spaces for walking, watching birds, and experiencing the calm rhythm of the outdoors, making it a social gathering spot despite its remote location.
The site is easy to reach with ample free parking available nearby, making visits straightforward for all. Dogs are welcome to explore the open areas, and a cafe provides refreshments, though swimming and camping are not permitted.
Beneath the water surface lie the remains of a tin mill from earlier centuries, a reminder of when tin processing drove the region's economy and shaped its landscape. These submerged ruins create a unique link between Cornwall's industrial past and its present-day water infrastructure.
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