A network of marshes, ponds, woodlands and grasslands result in an annual 160+ bird species, with over 60 readily visible even in mid winter
Search our map for walks, easy access routes, cycling, riding and fishing
Find information about our fisheries at Damflask and Washburn Valley
View all our easier routes and watch videos to give you an idea of what you can expect
Read about reservoir dangers and the byelaws that are helping to keep you safe.
Find gentle strolls, challenging hikes, fishing spots and places to cycle or ride near Harrogate.
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and fishing spots near Leeds.
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and places to fish or sail near Sheffield.
Situated in the charming Washburn valley, sharing an embankment with Swinsty Reservoir, Fewston is popular with walkers and runners.
Langsett Reservoir sits at the north eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, less than 5 miles south west of Penistone.
Don’t be put off by how close this reservoir is to the M62 reservoir, it is a still a haven of peace and tranquillity.
North of Pateley Bridge, deep in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Scar House Reservoir sitting below Little Whernside.
Situated in the Loxley Valley, near the village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield
Swinsty Reservoir can be found in the Washburn valley, less than 10 miles north of Otley and west of Harrogate
Situated just within the Peak District National Park boundary, Digley Reservoir sits just below the petite Bilberry Reservoir.
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A relatively gentle walk, this route encircles the beautiful Fewston Reservoir in the charming Washburn Valley.
This route around Swinsty Reservoir nestles in the stunning Washburn Valley and provides breath-taking views across the water.
Adjacent to the M62, this walk teeters around the edges of Scammonden Reservoir, taking in woodland and rough pastures.
Situated at the head of Nidderdale, this often wild yet beautiful area can be explored using this circular route around the water.
Digley offers a varied walk alongside woods, through fields and the edge of the moor, with plenty of lovely scenery along the way.
3.5 mile route near the charming village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield.
This route meanders through woodland and across open moor providing spectacular views from higher ground.
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Essential work is being carried out that may affect your visit
From January 2021, important maintenance work will be happening at Scammonden Reservoir. The work will take around 6 weeks to complete, but don't worry, you'll still be able to visit.
During this work, the path will be kept open for most of the time, but there may be some short waits while the working area is cleared to let you pass safely.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Please note: New Lane, Wood Edge and Crult Moor will remain closed for the time being.
In accordance with government guidance, our recreational sites and car parks remain open during the national lockdown for people to exercise locally. We ask that you follow the latest guidance to help keep yourself, our key workers and others safe. In the current lockdown this includes:
If you do plan to visit, we continue to request that you are respectful of our sites, staff members, other visitors and local communities:
All of our toilet facilities are currently closed so please be mindful of this when visiting.
Adjacent to the M62, this walk teeters around the edges of Scammonden Reservoir, taking in woodland and rough pastures. For those looking for a quieter but more adventurous walk, head up to Deanhead Reservoir from where there are spectacular views back down the valley. The route runs mainly on well surfaced paths and there are some steep gradients. It can also be wet and muddy so be prepared. This walk is 3 miles long.
Location
West of Sheffield just off the M62 motorway
Route Length
3 Miles
Walking Time
2 Hours
Terrain & Gradient
Mostly level, wide and well surfaced paths with a steep zig-zag path at the beginning and a steep detour around the sailing club. No stiles and the steps are optional as a detour path is available.
How To Get There
By car: There are 3 car parks around the reservoir. Wood Edge car park on Low Platt Lane has a height barrier (1.8m) and is locked at 6.00pm. Crull Moor car park, on the Deanhead village side of the reservoir, is only open between 1st April and 30th September 9.00am to 6.00pm.
From Bradford on the M62, exit at junction 24 and take the first exit at the roundabout for Lindley Moor Rd/A643. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto New Hey Rd/A640. After 3 miles, turn right onto O’Cot Lane. After almost half a mile, turn right onto Low Platt Lane. The car park is 200metres up the road on your left.
By public transport: There is a bus stop on Saddleworth Rd/Church Lane which 0.8 miles from the Western side of the reservoir.