Chard reservoir circular walk, 2.5 miles

Located on the northeastern edge of Chard in South Somerset, Chard Reservoir and Nature Reserve is a haven of native woodlands, wildflower meadows, and lake. Originally built in 1842 to provide water for Chard canal, it lost its purpose when the railway superseded the canal. In 1990, Somerset Council took over its care and it’s now managed for wildlife. With well-maintained, flat paths and a number of trail options, it’s perfect for walks with kids, buggy-friendly strolls or birdlife enthusiasts.

The walk I’ve described below follows the route around the edge of the reservoir, but I will link to the shorter loop trail, if you want something quick and easy for little legs.

I did this walk with my three-year old in an hour or so, stopping to watch the ducks at the Angler’s car park end of the reservoir.

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Map of Chard Reservoir circular walk

On all the Somerset family walks featured on this blog, I used the OS Maps app.

This Chard reservoir walk starts at the ‘P’ car park sign, then heads briefly along the road, before turning right along the Sustrans Stop Line Way cycle path. It then follows a clockwise direction around the edge of the reservoir, and back to the car park.

There is the opportunity to add in the bird hide and wooden play area at the end if you have enough energy. Or, if you have little ones in tow, you could just stick to doing these elements of the walk (I’ll include details of this at the end of the 2.5 mile walk info).

Chard Reservoir walk info

The route

• START: Oaklands Avenue car park
• Click here for Google Map point
• Grid reference: ST 3367 0932
• Post code: TA20 1HU
• what3words: ///grins.estimate.manly

1. Starting from the small (free) car park on Oaklands Avenue, follow the path towards Touches Lane where you’ll find a gap in the hedge to cross over.

2. From here, follow the road along until you get to the Sustrans Stop Line Way cycle path (close to the sewage works). For details on a shorter walk for toddlers, and Trekker Tim’s activity pack click here.

*Pedal power: family-friendly cycling in Somerset*

3. Turn right along the cycle path and keep following it straight ahead, under the railway bridge, until you reach the end of the reservoir and access to Chaffcombe Lane.

4. Cross over the dam wall and follow the edge of the reservoir through the Angler’s car park, past the Ranger’s Base, Eco Lodge and reed beds.

5. Keep following the track round the edge of the reservoir, turning left at the fork in the path at the southern edge of the lake to go back to the car park.

If you want to visit the small wooden play area and bird hide before you go back to the car, carry straight on instead of turning left at the fork in the path.

Follow this path round to the right and it will loop round to the bird hide and back through the woodland (see this on the Trekker Tim map – leaflets often available at the car park, electronic version available here).

Short bird hide loop walk at Chard Reservoir

If you’d like a short and sweet walk to see birdlife and a small wooden children’s play area, take a look at Trekker Tim’s Activity trail and follow the green dotted line.

Start at Oaklands car park and cross over the road into the Knapweed meadow. Follow the path across the meadow towards the reservoir, and into the woods.

The bird hide is easily visible on the edge of the lake. On your way out, turn right and follow the woodland loop back to the meadows and either head straight back to the car park, or over the little bridges, round the Rushy Meadow and back to the car park.

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