Meldon Lake and Woods

Liked: This is such an amazing place to spend a day or two. It is extremely quiet, filled with wild fauna and the views are extraordinary. The lake is glorious, I wasn’t totally sure about how to get in and out so we opted for a splash in the river instead, past the small bridge, we felt very lucky to get to experience nature this close by. The owners were really welcoming too, when we arrived they were out with their gorgeous horses and helped us though the gates. In the evening they did a quick round to ensure all was well and they even provide wood if you wish to make a fire. The drive over was super easy too, all on the M5 or the dual carriage way, our van in 2metres wide so it’s always nice to drive with room and we didn’t encounter a single hedge 😂 the only hairy bit was the final 200 metres or so which for us were just a perfect fit with our mirror folded in, but if you had a wider vehicle I think you’d struggle.

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Liked: Beautiful setting

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Liked: Lovely scenery and flooded quarry you can swim In

Disliked: Very rocky . Better for camper vans than tents . No bins no toilets no showers or running water .

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Liked: Right by the water, not too busy, great spots, right by the woods, campfire available, chopped wood, etc.

Disliked: Nothing!

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Liked: Beautiful spot with private quarry lake for swimming, bubbling Brook for bathing and Dartmoor on your doorstep to explore. Felt like proper wild camping - no toilets/showers/drinking water - so bring your own.

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Liked: An amazing campsite with beautiful views of Dartmoor. We really enjoyed swimming in the lake, star gazing and going on different walks straight from the campsite. It was very peaceful and was exactly what we were after!

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Liked: Mine and my friends stay was delightful, we felt welcomed by the host and other campers and enjoyed the walks and amazing views.

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Liked: so quiet

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Liked: Located right in nature, heard lots of tawny owls calling. Walking in the very interesting and beautiful local area. Swimming in Meldon Pool. I was a little wary having read one review here but there is a large shallow ledge in the water on the path side of the pool, so you have a chance to ease yourself in and while it is a scramble to get down to the pool, I think most adults could manage it fine. Quite warm too, compared to the nearby river at any rate. Definitely wear something on your feet, unfortunately there is broken glass around and lots of rocks in the shallow part of the pool. And it's definitely not safe for toddlers. The water will vary, it was beautifully clear for us but I gather it does its own thing and can be opaque or have algae or change colour. There are riding holidays based on the same farm and it's nice to see the horses passing each day, sometimes herding cattle. We didn't actually have a fire but it is a big pro that wood is provided, I think you would need to be prepared to split it yourself but we saw piles of big logs and it's a nice change to paying over the top for bags of "oak" logs (that are definitely pine) at other campsites we've been to.

Disliked: This site won't suit everyone, but if you like it, you'll probably love it. You are pitched right next to a public footpath and at times it is well used, lots of dog walkers and families passing. This may or may not be something that bothers you but worth being aware. We were initally confused as to where the pitches where, no one was around when we arrived. But as we don't read email on holiday, had missed a useful email with that info. If you have a larger van you don't have such a good choice of pitches though there are still a couple of good ones. We got on the pitch up on the left of the path with a transit sized van and 3m/sq awning and it has the most fantastic view and you can hear the river. We prefer not to be overlooked so positioned the van at the back of the pitch and had glorious views to the front (and a few brief visits from well behaved dogs!). Another good pitch would be in the main area just above the pool. Not a critisicm but be aware this really is wild camping. There isn't even a tap. So make sure your portaloo is empty and your water filled up before arrival. Or be prepared for some long trips to the reservoir car park. I loved the site and would return.

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Liked: This place is absolutely amazing, what a gem! Nestled by the woods, by a disused quarry. It’s was superb, travelled alone, felt perfectly safe.Able to get on granite trail with my bike, by heading back out to the village. Lovely stream by quarry which I was was able to walk up to and around reservoir. Just so idyllic and back to nature. Beautiful, will be back. Easy clear instructions on how to find the site, from farmers email.

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