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Blagdon Lake

535 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeInsects
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome535 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • ☀️June — long evenings and clear skies; one of the most rewarding months for a late visit
  • 🐕Early mornings are best for dog walks in summer — visit before 9am to avoid the heat and find quieter trails
  • 📍Open access throughout summer — no booking required

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome

Best for

7 activities

Bird watching

Reedbeds — bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits and reed warblers; Birds — Tufted Duck, Coot, Mute Swan +68 more · last seen 2026

Free

Wildlife

Reedbeds priority habitat; Birds — Tufted Duck, Coot, Mute Swan +68 more · last seen 2026

Free

Insect spotting

Lowland meadows — marbled white, meadow brown and pollinating insects

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Foraging

Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Waterside walks

Reservoir — waterside public access

Varies

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

7 signed routes nearby · 23 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Monarch's WayWalking route990 km

approximate route of Charles II's escape

Named routeRef MWLength 990 kmRegional walking route
Samaritans Way South WestWalking route166 km
Named routeLength 166 kmRegional walking route
West Mendip WayWalking route48 km
Named routeRef WMWLength 48 kmRegional walking route
The Butcombe TrailWalking route74 km
Named routeRef BUTLength 74 kmRegional walking route
The Mendip TrailWalking route
Named routeRef MTRegional walking route
Dark Lanepublic footpath · 333 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 333 mPath type: track
Garston Lanepublic footpath · 81 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 81 mPath type: service
🚴

Cycling

9 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Route 3Cycling route527.7 km
Named routeRef 3Length 527.7 kmNational Cycle Network
EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route - part United Kingdom 2Cycling route
Named routeRef EV1International cycle route
Avon CyclewayCycling route
Named routeRegional cycle route
Main RouteCycling route5.5 km
Named routeRef 3Length 5.5 kmNational Cycle NetworkOn-roadSurface asphalt
Main RouteCycling route743 m
Named routeRef 3Length 743 mNational Cycle NetworkOn-roadSurface asphalt
Main RouteCycling route1.4 km
Named routeRef 3Length 1.4 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt
🐴

Horse riding

1 public path nearby

Public paths
Sutton Lanerestricted byway · 1.2 km
Public pathrestricted bywayLength 1.2 kmPath type: track

Wildlife to spot

Photos

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