Wimbleball Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wimbleball Lake |
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The Dam
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| Location | Somerset |
| Coordinates | 51°04′N 3°28′W / 51.067°N 3.467°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | River Haddeo |
| Primary outflows | River Haddeo |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 374 acres (1.51 km2) |
| Average depth | 50 metres (160 ft) |
| Water volume | 21,000 megalitres |
Wimbleball Lake is a beautiful spot located in the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. It is not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir. It was built in the 1970s and finished in 1979. People use it to store water for homes and businesses.
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Discover Wimbleball Lake!
What is Wimbleball Lake?
Wimbleball Lake is a very important reservoir that helps supply water to people in the area. It holds a huge amount of water, about 21,000 megalitres. This water covers an area of 374 acres (1.51 km2). The lake was created by building a large dam across the River Haddeo.
A Starry Night Sky
Wimbleball Lake is a fantastic place to see the stars! It was chosen as the first "Dark Skies Discovery Site" on Exmoor. This means it is a great spot to go stargazing because there is very little light pollution.
Exmoor National Park has even been named an "International Dark Sky Reserve." It was the first place in Europe to get this special award. It was also only the second place in the whole world to achieve this recognition. This shows how clear and dark the night skies are over Exmoor.
How the Dam Works
The dam at Wimbleball Lake is 161 feet (49 m) high. It is a strong concrete structure that holds back the water from the River Haddeo. This creates the large lake.
Sometimes, when the River Exe has low water levels, water is released from Wimbleball Lake. This extra water flows into the River Exe. It helps make sure there is enough water for towns like Tiverton and Exeter downstream. Experts have studied how releasing this water affects the river flow.
Fun Activities at the Lake
The area around Wimbleball Lake is a popular place for fun and sports. There is an Outdoor + Active Centre where you can learn many different watersport activities.
Water Sports Adventures
You can try exciting sports like sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and rowing. If you have your own boat or board, you can launch it here. You can also rent equipment from the centre.
Exploring by Bike
There is a special cycle route that goes all the way around the lake. This path mostly follows quiet country lanes and bridleways. As you ride, you will go through woodland and grassland. You will also get amazing glimpses of the beautiful lake along the way.
