Explore 150 hectares of rolling landscapes, deep water-filled lakes and woodland at this fascinating nature reserve with accessible colour-coded walking trails.

Meeth Quarry is a 150-hectare Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve offering families a unique outdoor experience in a landscape shaped by its industrial quarrying past. The reserve features deep water-filled lakes, rolling terrain, and diverse habitats including woodland, grassland, and wetland areas. Visitors can observe a rich variety of wildlife including waterfowl such as goosanders and great crested grebes, dragonflies, and butterflies like the silver-washed fritillary. The reserve provides a series of colour-coded walking trails suitable for various abilities and activities. The Red way-marked trail is wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible, while other trails welcome walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and those using mobility scooters. A three-mile Meeth Quarry Wild Walk offers an excellent introduction to the area, and the reserve adjoins the Tarka Trail for extended exploration. Facilities include bird hides, picnic areas, accessible toilets, and ample parking. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the site is pushchair-friendly. Open year-round with car park access from 9am to 5pm daily, this free-entry reserve suits families with children of all ages seeking outdoor adventure and wildlife spotting opportunities. Note that swimming and water sports are prohibited due to deep cold water.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Ben Shakespeare

a week ago

Pleasant place for a walk and quite good for bird watching from the hide. I think it would benefit from more management to open up views and diversify habitats.

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David Jones

2 months ago

Prefect for me and my daughter quiet for us as we have autism and the bird hide in right quiet spot to see wetland birds.

R

Rob K

a year ago

It's a nice tranquil place. Unfortunately, on the day I went atleast, circular access around the quarry is not permitted. I had to jump one fence (which said nothing about trespassing tbf) to gain access to the northern side, but opted to double back after, rather than continuing. The map in the carpark does show the walk no further than the bird hide, which kind of confirms my suspicion. Disappointing tbh.

T

Tim Husain

a year ago

Big area for walking, did the walk from car park to the reservoir, which is about 1km. Plenty of free parking. Also. Links in to the tarka trail. Nice place to visit. Very peaceful.

C

Ceri Brooks

5 years ago

Enjoyed a peaceful stroll around this scenic, quiet Devon Wildlife Trust reserve. Lots of lakes and ponds to sit by and enjoy the views and wildlife. The walks are reasonably flat and they don't take long. Ideal place to stop and have a picnic.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026