🚗 Argal Reservoir Car Park – Penryn Lakeside Leisure & Walking Guide
Affordable reservoir-side parking at Argal Reservoir, Penryn – just £2.50 for 2 hrs or £5 all day, free for Friends, with direct access to waterside trails, café & wildlife hides.
🚗 Type: Public Pay & Display (South West Lakes Trust)
🕒 Open: Dawn–Dusk (approx. 06:00–21:00, seasonal variations)
🌟 Rating: Not publicly rated
💰 Pricing & Permits
| Stay Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £2.50 | |
| Up to 24 hours | £5.00 | |
| Friends of SWLT | Free | Display valid membership sticker |
Payment: Cash or card at on-site P&D machine.
Permit: “Friend of South West Lakes Trust” members park free—annual membership available online.
📊 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) |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level approach to café and main viewing hide; no marked bays.
Drop-Off Area: Small lay-by adjacent to car park entrance.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None.
Nearest Chargers:
Penryn Railway Station Pod Point – 2×7 kW Type 2 (1.5 mi)
Tesco Extra, Falmouth Road – 4×7 kW (2.2 mi)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 am–3 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.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Café 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 |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: At Café Torelli (open seasonal)
Picnic Area: Tables beside car park
Visitor Centre: SW Lakes Trust information point on-site
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Reservoir Car Park | 0.5 mi | £2.50/£5 | 24 hrs | Larger capacity & boardwalk path |
| Penryn Town Centre Car Parks | 1.5 mi | From £1.10/hr | 24 hrs | EV charging & toilets |
⚠️ Important Notices
Seasonal Closure: Car park may close in winter after heavy rainfall—check SWLT website.
Wildlife Protection: Dogs must be on leads near nesting areas.
Machine Maintenance: Report faults to SWLT staff or via their app.
📌 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 misty—great for photography but bring waterproofs.
🔮 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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