A calm, sunny day, beautiful clouds, and fairly still water – what more could you need for taking photos? Arlington Reservoir is an ideal destination for flora and fauna, lovely views, the sound of birdsong, and quiet contemplation, as well as photo opportunities at every turn.
Calm reflections
Whatever the season or time of day, there is always something to see or hear as you wander around the lake, and plenty of seating along the way to sit and take in the views or listen to the birds.
The view across the water opens up as you walk from the car-park towards the lake. For some reason, I always turn left and go clockwise, therefore my commentary below follows that direction.
The view changes constantly as you walk, and there’s a huge variety of birds to be seen throughout the year. During my numerous visits I’ve seen great crested grebe, little grebe, cormorants, herons, kestrels, kites, geese, ducks, swallows, grey wagtails, and a myriad of other birds, large and small.
Following the path you will enter a pretty area of woodland, which in spring is thick with bluebells and a wide variety of other wild flowers throughout the seasons. At the top of the path, in an area where the trees thin out, there are wonderful views to the left across open farmland.
The path then goes to the right, and continues on through more woodland, with pretty hand-woven edging fence. Along this path the end of the woods, you’ll find a finger post indicating right towards a bird hide located down a short track. Views across the lake from the hide are stunning on a fine day. The hide suffered mindless vandalism a few months ago, but has now been repaired and reopened.
Returning to the main path, and turning to the right, you will come out of the woods and pass through a metal gate onto a tarmac track running around the edge of the lake. There is an alternative cross-country footpath going off to the left from here if you wish. As you walk around the lake you will see St Petroc’s Church over to your left.
As you continue around the lake there are fields of cows and sheep to your left, with a panoramic view of the lake on your right. After passing the valve tower, ahead in the distance, to your left, you will see The Long Man of Wilmington on the hillside.
Go through another metal gate and turn right then, after a few metres at the farm entrance, turn left and follow the path which curves right, around behind the farm. You will sometimes see several little Shetland ponies in the fields here. The path then winds along between high hedgerows of blackthorn, hawthorn, elder and many other trees.
Upon reaching a lane, go straight across and follow the path, where you will spot the lake again through the hedge on the right.
As you continue along this final stretch, you will see an owl box up on a pole to your left, and the South East Water lodge where I recently saw a kestrel on the roof.
This brings you back to the start where you can sit in the picnic area and enjoy a range of hot and cold refreshments from the little cafe.
Do check the car-park closing times as gates will be locked at night. Times are signposted and change throughout the year (8pm summer and 5pm winter). Parking is a bargain at just £1.50 for an hour or £2.50 for the whole day.
