Recommendation Of The Week: Avon Dam

Today, I am going to review Avon Dam from my perspective. The location is up on Dartmoor. Address- Avon Dam Reservoir, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9ED. This area is run by the South West Lakes Trust.

When you first reach the car park, you’ll notice that there’s a path heading up the river next to the car park, follow this path as it is the only one!

As you walk up this path, I would suggest keeping an eye on the river as this was where I saw my first 2 dippers. The path is very long but trust me, it is worth it.

When you reach the end of the path, you’ll notice it widens. Follow this and it will take you through a valley with moorland on both sides. There is a wonderful view. You carry on up here and it takes you by a stream.

If you carry on along this path, you’ll eventually get to the path to the dam itself! I would suggest climbing up here as it gives wonderful views! When I laid eyes on the dam myself, it was a very impressive structure and it was extraordinary to think that workers built this!

You can walk across the dam or you can take a path that leads around the reservoir. The reservoir leads to good views but if you’re looking for a short walk, I would recommend walking across the dam and back and heading back along the path I’ve described.

Bird Sightings

1. Great Crested Grebe

A regular winter visitor to Avon, the great crested grebe usually stays here for courtship in spring before migrating to breed. If you visit in early spring, you might see the dramatic weed dance. This is where the male grabs a weed from the floor and offers it to the female while crossing necks. This courtship display is wonderful.

2. Goosander

The Goosander is a scarce but regular winter visitor to Avon Dam. They usually appear in groups of 5 or 6. Your best bet is probably to visit in the evening if you are looking for this species. The groups usually gather at this time to roost.

3. Canada Goose

A common resident, the Canada goose breeds and winters at Avon Dam. Visit in spring or summer and you might see goslings. They like to nest on the banks so keep an eye out.

4. Dipper

Dippers are not that common in the Uk but their range goes from south Scotland to East Anglia. The adults are striking with their white belly and when you see one, you’ll never be able to get that plumage out of your head. Surprisingly, my little brother Bertie spotted them both!

In a nutshell, I would give this place 3 out of 5 stars. It is quite a long walk and our experience was not very good. When we parked the car, it was bright and sunny but about halfway when we were in the valley, the heavens opened up and rain started crashing down. We ended up sheltering under some trees. I think it was worth it to see the dippers though.