Meldon Reservoir – A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Dartmoor (Okehampton, Devon, England, UK)

Alright, picture this: you’re winding your way through the wild, untamed stretches of Dartmoor, and suddenly—bam—Meldon Reservoir just pops up outta nowhere. It’s tucked away near Okehampton in Devon, sitting pretty about 900 feet up, like it’s showing off or something. The views? Absolutely killer. You’ve got the Okement Valley laid out below you, all dramatic and moody, perfect for anyone who loves a good stomp through the countryside or just fancies zoning out somewhere peaceful for a bit.
Here’s the thing: they built this place back in the ‘70s, mainly to keep North Devon folks from running outta water. But honestly, it’s way more than a giant water tank. The banks are crazy steep, the tors look like something out of a fantasy novel, and the whole vibe screams, “Come on, let’s have a wander.” You can sprawl out with a picnic, stalk wildlife (herons? check. grass snakes? double-check. wild brown trout? you bet), and just soak it all in.
If chilling’s not your thing and you’re more the “let’s get lost on purpose” type, the footpaths and bridleways here are begging for muddy boots and bikes. The Granite Way’s nearby too—it’s this epic trail for walkers and cyclists, and if you follow it, you’ll end up at Meldon Viaduct, which honestly looks like it’s straight outta a steampunk daydream. Feel like going even bigger? Start your hike here and make a beeline for High Willhays or Yes Tor—those are the two tallest spots in all of southern England. Bragging rights, sorted.
So yeah, whether you’re all about the wild scenery, chasing a bit of Dartmoor history, or just need a quiet spot to clear your head, Meldon Reservoir’s gotcha. Honestly, it’s the kind of place you stumble across once and end up daydreaming about for weeks.
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