Enjoy some West Yorkshire charm at Ardsley Reservoir
Ardsley is a delightful short walk at only 1.5 miles long with flat, surfaced paths the full way around. Park up at our free car park (Haigh Moor Rd, Tingley, Wakefield WF3 1EE) and enjoy the West Yorkshire charm!
Facilities
Activities
| Walk | Distance | Difficulty | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardsley walk | 1.3 miles | 1 out of 4 |
|
Visitor information
To keep everyone happy and safe, please:
- follow government guidance
- don’t swim
- take your litter home
- stick to the path
- keep your dog on a lead
- clean up after your dog
- don’t light fires or BBQs.
How to get there
By car
You can use the free car park (WF3 1EE), which is just off Haigh Moor Road, on the western side of the reservoir. This is easily accessible from a number of main roads - it is less than 3 miles away from the M1, the M62, and the A650.
Parking
There are only 19 parking spaces at this car park and they fill up quickly most days.
By public transport
There are bus stops along Haigh Moor Road, a short walk away from the start of the reservoir walk route at the car park.
More things to do near Leeds
Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around a reservoir, a challenging hike or an afternoon of fishing, there's plenty to do around Leeds.
Frequently asked qurestions
Can you swim in Ardsley Reservoir?
No, you can't swim in Ardsley Reservoir. Reservoirs are really dangerous places and have lots of dangers hidden under the surface. We don't allow anyone to swim in our reservoirs, even if you’re a great swimmer!
Why can’t you swim in Ardsley Reservoir?
Ardsley Reservoir has lots of hidden dangers. The water is very cold (even in summer) and cold water shock can kill. Ardsley Reservoir supplies water to be treated, so there's machinery and strong currents under the water. There may also be blue-green algae, which causes rashes and severe illnesses.
Can dogs swim in Ardsley Reservoir?
No, it’s not safe for dogs to swim in Ardsley Reservoir and they shouldn’t drink the water. Blue-green algae can form on the surface, which is poisonous and can kill them. There’s also dangerous machinery and strong currents under the water.
Is wild swimming allowed in Ardsley Reservoir?
No, Ardsley Reservoir is dangerous. Reservoirs aren't the same as natural lakes, they’re man-made and have large machinery that’s working 24/7 just below the surface. They’re also very cold, have strong currents and might have blue-green algae which causes rashes and severe illness.