Wistlandpound

Visitor information

Enjoy a fantastic day out at this stunning reservoir

Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, just north of Barnstaple, Wistlandpound Reservoir is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, stunning views, and a rewarding picnic.

The site is managed by South West Lakes Trust. 

At a glance

  • Picnic areas
  • Dogs welcome 

Things to do

Forest adventures at Wistlandpound

Jo and Mike from The Kids Adventure Company run a range of forest adventure sessions at Wistlandpound for children and their families. Come rain or shine they can be found sparking curiosity and developing a passion for the outdoors through exploring, building, tree climbing, nature making and map reading.

Drop children off at a holiday club and let them develop their independence, or come together to one of our family or tot sessions; everyone is welcome.

Come along to Wistlandpound for:

Forest Adventure Tots - a weekly two-hour session for toddlers and their parents or carers. Holiday clubs - sessions from 10am - 3pm run during most school holidays. Forest Adventure parties - bespoke parties for children from the age of four. School visits - half or full days sessions.

About The Kids Adventure Company

Mike and Jo created The Kids Adventure Company after witnessing the passion their own children developed for living life to the full during childhoods full of adventure and fresh air. They are both qualified teachers, mountain leaders and first aiders, and between them belong to a range of professional outdoor bodies.  

More information and booking

Find all the information you need and how to book on The Kids Adventure Company website via the button below.

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Picnics at Wistlandpound

Enjoy a tasty treat next to the reservoir at Wistlandpound. Just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables can be found along the path around the lake.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Walking at Wistlandpound

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Wistlandpound has tracks for you to explore throughout the forest and around the reservoir.

 

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Nearby forests

Eggerslack

Eggerslack Woods

Eggerslack Woods is a delightful, tranquil place with native trees, an abundance of wildlife and a wide range of holly, ivy and ferns. Located south of Kendal, it is well-equipped with footpaths and is a natural gateway to spectacular views.

Eggerslack Wood is a popular location for walkers and is often visited as part of more extended walks over Hampsfell. Eggerslack is well placed to offer short walks from Grange-over-Sands or from the parking area on Hampsfell Road.

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Somerset hill

Kennisham Hill

A mixture of broad-leaved trees and conifers, and part of the larger forest stretching right up to the coast, Kennisham Hill is a wildlife-spotter’s paradise.

Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot the Cheddar Pink flower (which can only be found in Somerset) Horseshoe bat, or the Wood White butterfly!

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Views from top of hill over Exmoor

Croydon Hill

Found in the Brendon Hills of Exmoor National Park, just north of the small village of Luxborough, Croydon Hill provides the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy the tranquility of Somerset. 

This coniferous forest has rolling hills for you to explore on foot and you'll be rewarded with stunning natural views over the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside. 

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Douglas fir

Nutcombe Bottom

Nutcombe Bottom is a popular walking and picnic site near Dunster.

Nutcombe Bottom is home to England’s tallest tree, which has been growing here since 1876 and was 60.05 metres when it was last measured in 2009. It also has a trunk estimated to weigh 50 tonnes with a diameter of 1.74 metres.

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