Duloe Manor

Siblyback Lake walking and hiking route

Hardly one of Cornwall's major visitor attractions, anyone could be forgiven for not knowing about Siblyback Lake, a reservoir of modest size (140 acres) tucked away to the north of Liskeard, on the fringe of Bodmin Moor. Completed in 1967 and designated as a water park, the lake is quite charming, with attractive surroundings and some leisure facilities including a children's play area, a sailing centre, a bird hide and angling. There is a (seasonal) tea room and gift shop. The circuit of the lake provides a good level walk with some mud as the only likely problem.

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Pay and display car park with public conveniences at the water park, grid reference 236708. Head north via Dobwalls, continuing along the road towards Minions. Approximately four miles beyond Dobwalls, look out for the left turn signposted to Siblyback.

Walk past the tea shop, bearing left towards the lake shore.

1) At the shore turn right to follow a fine path, initially over grass. Go through a little gate with a notice warning of rugged terrain and the need for stout footwear. Pass through bracken before reaching a patch of woodland, with a bridge over a stream. Outbuildings of Sparrett's Farm are to the right as the path bears left to cross the marshy area at the head of the lake. Cross a little footbridge; the area is rich in bramble and this end of the lake seems to have the greatest attraction for large flocks of water fowl.

2) An area of coniferous woodland is entered at a boardwalk. Despite several more boardwalks, this wooded area is likely to be muddy as the path threads its way through. After an open section, pass through another area of coniferous woodland, again with the aid of boardwalks across the muddiest patches. Rise a little to reach the near end of the dam, a considerable structure.

3) Turn left to cross the top of the dam on a good walkway, with views down the valley to the right. At the far end go through a gate, turning left to continue across a small picnic area, soon reaching the Siblyback access road at a gate. Turn left and cross a stream before turning left again to rise gently to the parking area.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.