At Clatworthy Reservoir, the water, woodland and trails are among the clearest reasons to consider Clatworthy for a nature getaway. The reservoir has a five-mile circular walking trail, a shorter woodland trail, and opportunities to fish from the bank or by boat. Clatworthy hillfort sits on a ridge overlooking the reservoir. These themes offer different ways to shape your trip: you can focus on walks, wildlife watching, fishing or historic sites.
Reservoir, Woodland and Wildlife
Clatworthy Reservoir lies at the edge of Exmoor National Park, in the Brendon Hills of West Somerset. The reservoir covers 130 acres and reaches depths of up to 96 feet. The water is surrounded by ancient woodland; the open water and wooded surroundings together shape the landscape. These measurements give an idea of the extent of the reservoir and its depth.
The reservoir is home to a variety of wildflowers, bat and bird species, and more than 1,000 invertebrate species. Wildlife sightings vary by season. If wildlife watching is important to you, factor the time of year into your expectations. The wildlife adds another dimension to a stay alongside the water and trails.
Walking and Fishing
The circular walking trail at Clatworthy Reservoir is five miles long; there is also a shorter woodland trail. The two options differ in length: you can choose a longer circuit or a shorter alternative that takes in the woodland. Check local conditions before setting out.
Fishing is possible at the reservoir from the bank or by boat. It is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Fishing conditions can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before you travel. This lets you choose between walking and fishing according to your own interests, without having to combine both activities into a fixed itinerary.
Hillfort and Historic Sites
Clatworthy hillfort lies at the summit end of a long ridge and overlooks the reservoir. It is also known locally as “Clatworthy Camp or Castle” and is protected as a Scheduled Monument. Its location creates a direct link between the historic site and the waterside landscape.
The Church of St Mary Magdalene also offers a historic point of interest in Clatworthy. It is listed as a Grade II* building. In its churchyard, the Churchyard Cross stands about 12 metres south of the chancel. The cross may date from the 14th century and stands on a later base. In this monument’s description, the tentative dating of the cross and the later base refer to different parts of it.
Planning Around Church Services
According to the service schedule current as of 1 September 2026, Holy Communion is held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene at 10 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month; Morning Prayer is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday. Check the service schedule before your trip if you would like to plan a visit around it. This allows you to plan a possible service separately from seasonal wildlife sightings and local trail conditions.
Discover more destinations: Highbridge, Rode, Woolverton, Bridgwater, Wedmore, Tintinhull, Norton St Philip, Burnham-On-Sea
For the main travel overview: Somerset.
