Photographs taken 2004 to 2006
Siblyback Lake makes for an excellent 3-mile circuit walk, whether for just walking, or bird-watching as well, or for the more water-spirited, there is some fine windsurfing, sailing, or trout fishing to be had. There are also some very good facilities, including loos, changing rooms, and a range of hot and cold refreshments available in the tea shop and cafe, with seating inside or out, for walkers and sailors alike!
View over Siblyback Lake with Bodmin Moor as a back-drop
Siblyback lake - or reservoir - was constructed in the late 1960s, and the dam completed in 1969. The need for the reservoir came about due to the increasing demand on water supplies, and enquiries into schemes put forward at the time as to where the reservoir should be constructed. One scheme that very thankfully was put aside, was to dam the main Fowey valley itself, upstream from Golitha Falls and Draynes, which would have flooded a very large part of the valley all up the Redgate to Bolventor road, and all the farms and lively-hoods along the way. The building of Siblyback reservoir caused some limited destruction of farming properties, but thankfully not on the scale of destruction that would have happened with the dropped Fowey valley scheme.
The dam at Siblyback
A full reservoir spilling over the dam after a period of rain over
the moor
(note the lake behind the dam, it shows what dams really
do ~ hold back a wall of water!)
Siblyback today of course, is now a beauty spot, and environmentally conscious, popular sailing and fishing water activities centre. It is also a valuable habitat for many bird species, and a bird-watching and birders' mini-paradise, complete with bird-hide! It is a beautiful place for that walk, or calm contemplation, with its moorland backdrop. The lake has many moods through the year, from bright summer days and cool breezes to atmospheric mists and flat calms, to blustery winter blasts that turn the water into a frenzy as they whip across the lake. For more information, see Siblyback Lake at SW Lakes Trust.
A quiet evening view over the lake from near the Water-activities
Centre and Tea shop
A consistently good windsurfing and sailing wind is promised across Siblyback Lake, being up on the moor, and tuition from qualified instructors is available. You can either self-launch your own boat, or there are dinghies on site available for hire, either by the hour or by the day (including safety equipment, and Safety boat cover). There are also rowing boats, skiffs, and kayaks that can be hired by the hour or day.
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