Set high on the granite expanse of Bodmin Moor, Crowdy Reservoir feels like a different side of Cornwall entirely.
Far from the cliffs and beaches of the north coast, this is an inland landscape of open skies, wind-swept grassland, and still water—where the scale is wider, quieter, and more elemental.
It is not a place of dramatic landmarks or busy facilities. Instead, it offers space, silence, and long views across one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric upland regions.
Getting there: into the open moorland
Crowdy Reservoir sits just north of Camelford on the edge of Bodmin Moor. The approach is part of the experience, as roads gradually narrow and the landscape opens out.
The final stretch typically involves:
• Leaving the valleys and climbing onto higher ground
• Passing scattered farms and rough grazing land
• Entering open moorland with few trees or buildings
• Reaching the reservoir basin set within wide, rolling terrain
The sense of enclosure disappears completely, replaced by open horizon and wind.
First impressions: water set in a vast landscape
Unlike many reservoirs tucked into wooded valleys, Crowdy Reservoir sits in a landscape that feels fully exposed.
At first sight, you’ll notice:
• A wide, shallow expanse of water
• Surrounding moorland stretching in every direction
• Low hills forming a soft boundary around the reservoir
• A sky that dominates the entire scene
It feels less like a constructed water body and more like a natural lake placed within a vast upland plateau.
The atmosphere: stillness and wind
Crowdy Reservoir has a distinctive atmosphere shaped by its elevation and exposure.
Common sensations include:
Strong, constant wind across open ground
Rapidly changing cloud cover and light
Long periods of quiet broken only by natural sounds
A feeling of distance from any settlement or road
Even on calm days, the openness of the moor creates a sense of scale that feels far removed from coastal Cornwall.
Walking around the reservoir
The area around Crowdy Reservoir offers straightforward but rewarding walking, with paths that follow the shoreline and extend into surrounding moorland.
Walkers can expect:
• Easy-to-follow routes around the water’s edge
• Open access to surrounding moorland paths
• Wide, uninterrupted views in all directions
• Occasional boggy or uneven ground depending on weather
It is not a heavily signposted walking destination, but a landscape that invites exploration at a relaxed pace.
Wildlife and natural environment
Despite its exposed character, Crowdy Reservoir supports a range of wildlife typical of upland and wetland environments.
You may see:
• Moorland birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits
• Waterfowl on and around the reservoir
• Raptors circling above the open ground
• Seasonal plant life adapted to acidic soils and wet conditions
The combination of water and moor creates a valuable habitat in an otherwise rugged landscape.
The surrounding moor: Bodmin Moor context
The reservoir sits within the broader landscape of Bodmin Moor, one of Cornwall’s most distinctive upland areas.
This wider environment is characterised by:
Granite tors and rocky outcrops nearby
Heather moorland and rough grass
Archaeological features such as ancient stone circles and field systems
A sense of vast, open terrain with few human structures
Crowdy Reservoir feels like part of this broader system rather than a separate attraction.
Seasonal changes: a shifting inland landscape
Crowdy Reservoir changes character significantly through the year:
Spring:
Fresh green moorland growth and increased bird activity around the water.
Summer:
Calmer weather, clearer reflections on the reservoir, and easier walking conditions.
Autumn:
Richer colours across surrounding grassland and more dramatic skies.
Winter:
A stark, exposed landscape with strong winds and a more austere atmosphere.
The openness of the site means weather has an immediate and visible impact.
Why Crowdy Reservoir feels different
Unlike many scenic spots in Cornwall, Crowdy Reservoir is defined not by dramatic landmarks but by atmosphere and scale.
It offers:
A rare inland water landscape on Bodmin Moor
A strong sense of isolation and quiet
Expansive views rather than contained scenery
A contrast to Cornwall’s coastal-focused identity
It is a place that feels more like a highland plateau than a typical southern English landscape.
There are a few basic but useful facilities at Crowdy Reservoir, but it’s quite a remote, low-key site rather than a fully developed visitor attraction.
Main facilities on site
• Parking areas (at least two access points)
• On-site toilets
• Picnic area
• Bird hide(s) for wildlife watching
Activities & features
• Fishing (free wild brown trout fishing from the bank, with licence)
• Walking / nature watching in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Birdwatching, with a wide range of wildfowl and seasonal starling murmurations
What’s not there
• No cafés, shops, or visitor centre
• No extensive play areas or commercial facilities
Final thoughts: water, wind, and open space
Crowdy Reservoir is not a place of spectacle. Its appeal lies in simplicity: water held within a vast, open moorland environment where wind and sky dominate everything else.
It is best thought of as a quiet, natural spot—good for a peaceful slow walk, a bit of fishing, or birdwatching even—rather than somewhere with lots of amenities.
It offers a slower, quieter kind of experience—one where walking, standing, and observing become the main activities, and where the landscape feels both exposed and still at the same time.
For those exploring Bodmin Moor, it provides a moment of clarity: a wide, open water body set within one of Cornwall’s most elemental landscapes, shaped as much by weather and space as by human design.
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