๐ Argal Reservoir Car Park โ Penryn Lakeside Leisure & Walking Guide
Affordable reservoir-side parking at Argal Reservoir, Penryn โ just ยฃ2.50 for 2 hrs or ยฃ5 all day, free for Friends, with direct access to waterside trails, cafรฉ & wildlife hides.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display (South West Lakes Trust)
๐ Open: DawnโDusk (approx. 06:00โ21:00, seasonal variations)
๐ Rating: Not publicly rated
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
| Stay Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | ยฃ2.50 | ย |
| Up to 24 hours | ยฃ5.00 | ย |
| Friends of SWLT | Free | Display valid membership sticker |
Payment: Cash or card at on-site P&D machine.
Permit: โFriend of South West Lakes Trustโ members park freeโannual membership available online.
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~40 marked bays |
| Surface | Compact gravel |
| Lighting | None |
| Security | No CCTV; open-air |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for all vehicle types) |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level approach to cafรฉ and main viewing hide; no marked bays.
Drop-Off Area: Small lay-by adjacent to car park entrance.
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None.
Nearest Chargers:
Penryn Railway Station Pod Point โ 2ร7 kW Type 2 (1.5 mi)
Tesco Extra, Falmouth Road โ 4ร7 kW (2.2 mi)
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 amโ3 pm | 40 % | Walkers & anglers |
| Saturdays (summer) | 100 % | Families & hikers |
| Bank Holidays | 100 % | Day-trippers |
| Evenings (dusk access) | 20 % | Bird-watchers |
Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekend mornings to secure a spot for a full-day walk.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cafรฉ Torelli | On-site | Hot drinks & light bites |
| Bird-Watching Hide | 5 min | Great for spotting waterfowl |
| College Reservoir Path | 20 min | Circular 2.5 mi trail through woodland |
| Penryn Cricket Club Gate | 10 min | Alternate entry for longer circuit |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: At Cafรฉ Torelli (open seasonal)
Picnic Area: Tables beside car park
Visitor Centre: SW Lakes Trust information point on-site
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Reservoir Car Park | 0.5 mi | ยฃ2.50/ยฃ5 | 24 hrs | Larger capacity & boardwalk path |
| Penryn Town Centre Car Parks | 1.5 mi | From ยฃ1.10/hr | 24 hrs | EV charging & toilets |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Seasonal Closure: Car park may close in winter after heavy rainfallโcheck SWLT website.
Wildlife Protection: Dogs must be on leads near nesting areas.
Machine Maintenance: Report faults to SWLT staff or via their app.
๐ Expert Tips
Membership Hack: Join Friends of SWLT for free all-day parking plus site improvements funding.
Trail Link-Up: Combine Argal & College Reservoir loops for a 5 mi circular hike.
Weather Watch: Early spring mornings can be mistyโgreat for photography but bring waterproofs.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: SW Lakes Trust exploring installation of 4 EV charging bays at main car park.
2026: Planned boardwalk extensions to improve winter access around the reservoir.
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