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A full reservoir circuit from the public Lemons Hill North car park near Tattingstone. Allow about four hours for the twelve kilometres, including short stops. The walk combines woodland, open shore views and the long dam, with the busier visitor facilities roughly halfway around.
Leave the car park on the lakeside track and walk clockwise, keeping the main reservoir on your right. Follow the bends around Lemons Bay, then the eastern inlets and woodland below Birchwood and Crag Wood. Stay on the main reservoir trail at the inland junctions. Cross the dam to the water sports and visitor centre area, where there are toilets and a cafe. Continue west on the shared track past Larch Wood and the Wonder car park, following the western shore around the Tattingstone inlets. Return over Lemons Hill Bridge on its pavement and use the signed car park connection to finish. Take care at the road and car park entrance.
Most of the southern track is firm gravel or tarmac. The eastern side has more slopes and loose surfaces, and can be muddy after rain. Wear suitable shoes and share the trail with cyclists. Dogs must stay on leads and out of the water. Stay on the established paths and away from exposed reservoir mud.
Parking is charged. The operator says satellite car parks close at 4.30pm; check the entrance notice and return before the gate closes. There are no toilets at Lemons Hill. As checked on 4 October 2026, Holbrook Road has a water-pipe road closure until 26 October, while the park remains open. This start uses the northern satellite car park; check travel signs before visiting.
Route and access information: Suffolk County Council Discover Suffolk Alton Water leaflet (2026), Anglian Water Parks visitor information and the council AccessAble trail guide.
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