Things to do in Burrator Reservoir

Burrator Waterfall is a modest but picturesque cascade located on the River Meavy in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England. The waterfall sits within the vicinity of Burrator Reservoir, one of Dartmoor's most significant water bodies, and forms part of the upper reaches of the Meavy catchment system. The falls themselves are characterized by a series of small drops and cascades rather than a single dramatic plunge, with the water tumbling over granite bedrock that is typical of Dartmoor's ancient geological landscape. The appearance of the waterfall varies considerably with seasonal rainfall, presenting as a vigorous torrent during winter months and the wet season, while becoming a more gentle trickle during drier summer periods. The dark, weathered granite over which the water flows creates attractive contrasts with the white foam and spray, particularly after periods of heavy rain. The River Meavy rises in the high moorland to the northeast of Burrator Reservoir, gathering waters from the blanket bogs and upland streams that characterize this part of Dartmoor. The river follows a southwesterly course through some of Dartmoor's most atmospheric landscape, passing through ancient oakwood valleys and open moorland before eventually flowing into Burrator Reservoir itself. The catchment area includes some of the most ecologically important upland habitat in southern England, with the river system supporting populations of brown trout and other species adapted to the acidic, nutrient-poor waters typical of Dartmoor streams. Before the construction of Burrator Reservoir in the late nineteenth century, the River Meavy would have flowed uninterrupted through this valley system all the way to its confluence with the River Plym. The surrounding landscape represents classic Dartmoor scenery, with open moorland dominated by heather, gorse, and rough grassland giving way to pockets of ancient woodland in the sheltered valleys. Oak, rowan, and birch trees cling to the steeper slopes around the waterfall area, while the characteristic granite tors that dot Dartmoor's skyline are visible in the distance. The area supports a rich assemblage of wildlife, including Dartmoor ponies that roam freely across the moor, as well as buzzards, ravens, and other birds of prey that are frequently seen soaring overhead. The river and its margins provide habitat for dippers, grey wagtails, and other species associated with fast-flowing upland streams. In spring and summer, the surrounding moorland comes alive with wildflowers, and the area is particularly noted for its populations of butterflies and other invertebrates. Burrator Reservoir itself was constructed between 1893 and 1898 to supply water to the growing town of Plymouth, and was later enlarged in the 1920s. The reservoir dramatically altered the landscape of the Meavy valley, submerging farmland and creating the large body of water that now dominates the area. The waterfall on the River Meavy represents one of the natural features that survived this transformation, continuing to flow as it has for millennia despite the significant human alterations to the wider valley system. The area around Burrator has long been popular with visitors to Dartmoor, and the reservoir and its surroundings have inspired numerous artists, photographers, and writers drawn to the dramatic moorland scenery. Access to the Burrator Waterfall area is generally good, with the vicinity of Burrator Reservoir being well-served by parking facilities and footpaths. The main car park at Burrator Reservoir provides a convenient starting point for walks around the reservoir and into the surrounding moorland, with various circular routes available that take in different aspects of the landscape. The area is part of Dartmoor National Park and is managed with conservation and public access in mind, though visitors should be prepared for typical Dartmoor conditions, which can include changeable weather, boggy ground, and limited facilities in more remote areas. Appropriate footwear and clothing are essential, as paths can be muddy and slippery, particularly near watercourses. The nearest significant settlements are Yelverton and Horrabridge, where basic facilities including shops and refreshments can be found. The Dartmoor landscape surrounding Burrator has been shaped by thousands of years of human activity, from prehistoric settlements to medieval tin mining and more recent agricultural use. Evidence of this long history can be found throughout the area, including ancient field systems, stone rows, and the remains of mining operations. The construction of the reservoir itself represents one of the most significant modern interventions in this landscape, reflecting the increasing water demands of Plymouth during the Victorian era and the early twentieth century. Today, the area serves multiple purposes, functioning as a working reservoir, a recreational resource, and an important area for wildlife conservation within the protected landscape of Dartmoor National Park.