8k Run Exmoor: Scenic Loop Around Clatworthy Reservoir

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.0km scenic loop around Clatworthy Reservoir offers a quintessential Exmoor running experience, blending tranquil waterside paths with vibrant woodland trails. Starting from the public car park, the route follows a clockwise direction on a mixture of grassy tracks and soft woodland soil. With approximately 117m of ascent, you'll encounter a series of undulating "hilly" sections that provide a moderate challenge without being overwhelming. About 5km of the course features well-maintained surfaces, but the natural trail sections through the trees require a bit of focus on your footwork, especially after a Somerset rainfall. Please note that this is a protected natural habitat, so the route is strictly for runners and walkers; four-legged training partners are not permitted on this specific trail.

Clatworthy Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away on the eastern fringes of Exmoor National Park. Completed in 1959 to supply water to the Taunton area, the site has since matured into a thriving ecosystem and a haven for local birdlife. As you navigate the perimeter, you are running through a landscape steeped in agricultural history, where the Brendon Hills meet the wilder stretches of the moor. Runners often catch glimpses of ospreys or kingfishers near the water's edge, and the surrounding oak woodlands feel particularly ancient and secluded. It is a peaceful alternative to the more crowded coastal paths, offering a meditative environment where the only sounds are your steady breath and the lap of water against the shoreline.