To the south (downstream on the River Tamar) is the older Lower Tamar Lake. The county boundary follows the line of the river as it was prior to the construction of the reservoir, therefore now within the lake, resulting in it being in both Devon and Cornwall.[3]
The lake was planned as an expansion of the local water supply, and to avoid a potential drought in the area.[4] Work on the lake began in May 1973 by W. C. French (Construction) Ltd. It was constructed by placing a concrete gravity dam across the edge of the lake to retain water. Work was mostly complete by 1975, and it was officially opened in October 1977.[2] It is about 80 acres (32 ha) in area[5] with a capacity of around 300 million gallons (1,400 million litres).[2]
Leisure
The lake is a popular place for water sports, including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. There is a visitors centre near the lake, with camping facilities.[1] The Upper Tamar Sailing Club (UTLSC) is a group of regular sailors on the lake.[6] It is a popular coarse fishing lake,[7] with carp being a popular catch.[2] The lake is an area of special protection from birds under the Protection of Birds Acts 1954.[8]
The nearest bus station to the lakes is at Kilkhampton, 3 miles away.[1]
