Tottiford Reservoir sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, surrounded by forested slopes and quiet rural roads. Built in the 19th century, the reservoir supplies water to Exeter and the surrounding area, but for photographers, it offers far more than just function. The dam itself is modest in scale but sits within a peaceful landscape of forest, sky, and seasonal change. Misty mornings, shifting skies, and soft reflections give this location its mood, while low water or golden light opens up opportunities for more dramatic compositions. It's a place best explored slowly and repeatedly, especially as conditions can shift day by day.
Best Photography Opportunities
• Early Light with Forest Backdrop
In the early morning, light hits the reservoir at a low angle softly illuminating the treeline and its reflection on the water. From the shoreline or gentle slopes on the eastern side, you can frame the forest curving around the reservoir as a natural backdrop. Calm conditions allow reflections to stay intact, giving your composition balance and symmetry. These scenes work well with wider lenses and slower shutter speeds to smooth the water surface. Subtle colour changes in the sky often add more interest than direct sunlight.
• Minimalist Frames in Overcast Light
On cloudy days, the reservoir takes on a quieter, more muted look that suits simple compositions. Isolated elements such as a lone tree, partially submerged log, or small outcrop near the edge of the water become strong focal points. By keeping the frame uncluttered, you can use negative space to give the image a calm, open feel. These scenes are especially effective when processed in black and white or with restrained colour. A longer focal length helps narrow your view and remove distractions from the background.
• Drone Views
Aerial photography works well here thanks to the irregular shoreline and surrounding woodland. From above, the contrast between dark forest, pale water, and exposed banks becomes much clearer. Early morning flights are best, especially if mist hangs over parts of the reservoir or the water is still. Lower altitude flights highlight texture and pattern, while higher views show how the reservoir fits into the wider Dartmoor landscape. Always follow UK drone regulations and keep clear of people, wildlife, and private land.
• Framing Through the Woodland
Several footpaths run through trees just above the waterline, giving you natural frames made from branches and trunks. These views allow you to layer the scene, with woodland in the foreground and the reservoir beyond. Spring and autumn are particularly good for this approach, either with fresh leaves or bare branches adding structure. Soft light filtering through the trees helps avoid harsh contrast and keeps detail in both shadow and highlight. A standard zoom lens is useful for fine tuning the composition without moving too much.
• Light Breaking Through Fog or Mist
Mist often forms over the reservoir during cooler mornings, especially after rain or clear nights. As the sun rises, light can break through in patches, creating gentle beams across the water and trees. These moments are brief but very rewarding if you're already in position. Shooting toward the light helps capture the glow and sense of depth. A tripod and careful exposure control are useful here to hold detail across the scene.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is the most consistent time for photography at Tottiford Reservoir. This is when the air is calm, reflections are strongest, and mist is most likely to form. Light moves slowly across the water due to the surrounding terrain, which creates a gradual shift in tone rather than harsh contrast. Late afternoon can also work well, especially when the sun catches the tops of the trees and adds warmth to the scene.
Overcast days are very productive, particularly for minimalist or detail focused photography. Seasonal changes have a big impact, with autumn bringing colour and winter opening up views as leaves fall. Summer tends to have stronger light and occasional haze, which can limit contrast but still work well for drone or wide landscape shots. Checking recent weather and water levels can help you plan the most productive visit.
How to Get There
Tottiford Reservoir is about a 30 minute drive west of Exeter, near the village of Christow. The final stretch of road is narrow but manageable, with small pull in areas near the water for parking. There is no entrance fee, and the reservoir is open to the public all year. Footpaths around the water are informal and can be muddy after rain, so suitable footwear is recommended. There are no facilities on site, so bring everything you need with you. Most viewpoints are reached with short walks, making it easy to move between locations with camera gear.
Recommended Photography Gear
A wide angle lens is ideal for capturing reflections, forest edges, and broader views across the reservoir. A 24 to 70mm zoom adds flexibility for framing woodland scenes or isolating features along the shoreline. A longer lens can be useful for compressing layers of trees or picking out individual elements in minimalist compositions.
A tripod is important for early morning, low light, and long exposure work. A polarising filter helps manage reflections and glare, especially on brighter days, while neutral density filters are useful if you want to smooth water movement.
Nearby Photography Locations
• Trenchford and Kennick Reservoirs
Located just north of Tottiford, these reservoirs offer different shorelines and forest settings, with good chances of mist and reflection early in the day.
• Fingle Bridge and the Teign Gorge
This wooded river valley features a historic stone bridge, flowing water, and steep sides that work well in soft or overcast light.
A granite outcrop nearby that provides elevated views across the surrounding countryside, especially effective during golden hour or changing weather.
Following the River Teign, this woodland area offers seasonal colour, river reflections, and quieter forest compositions.
Back in the city, the quayside offers historic buildings, canal edges, and river scenes that contrast well with the rural feel of the reservoir.
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