Broomhead Reservoir walk (3.6km, circular)

This Broomhead Reservoir walk sits within the South Yorkshire and Sheffield area of the Peak District National Park. It is an easy-going circular reservoir walk and one of the best flat walks in the Peak District.

With waves gently lapping at the shore and sandy secluded beaches to enjoy a picnic, this is a peaceful walk where you may be convinced for a moment that you’re at the seaside. The changing terrain makes it interesting for young kids, who will especially love walking across the ‘Mangrove’ (a tangle of knotted trees growing from within and beside the water), which is also a great place to climb and find fungi.

Map of the Broomhead Reservoir walk

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Map OL 01 (Dark Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

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This Broomhead Reservoir walk follows the below map in an anticlockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 3.6km / 2.2 miles

TYPE OF WALK: circular reservoir walk

PARKING: There is a small car park off New Road for approximately 6 spaces. Click here for Google Map location. Postcode: S36 4ZA. Further down the road on the opposite side is another lay-by with a few more spaces.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Passing over the dam wall, through broad leaf woodland filled with bluebells and wild garlic, pine woodland bursting with cones to fill your pocket, and a boardwalk to race along. The changing terrain and environment on this Broomhead Reservoir walk is sure to keep children interested.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this is a 1.5 hour walk. Allow 2-3 hours with little ones.

ACCESSIBILITY: Changeable terrain, exposed tree roots, bare ground path through woodland, bridleway, a very short is on a quiet road with no pavement . No stiles. Not suitable for prams or buggies.

TOTAL ASCENT: 17 metres

FACILITIES: There are no facilities on this walk.

The route

START: Small car park off New Road
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2605 8301
Post code: S36 4ZA
what3words: ///river.hooked.rinse

Route follows an anticlockwise direction.

1. Begin by taking the Bridleway path through Horse Wood to the right of the car park. Broomhead Reservoir is on your left and woodland on your right.

2. As you reach the dam wall, go through the gate on the left that leads across the dam towards the tower. 

3. When you reach the end of the dam wall take the path on your left, continuing alongside the reservoir. Through this woodland you will find tiny bridges over inlet streams, trees to climb, perfect shoreside picnic spots and a variety of fir cones to collect. The path has large areas of very bumpy exposed tree roots making it unsuitable for pushchairs but great for a game of ‘the floor is lava!’

4. Up ahead the path leads onto the road through a gate. Continue through the gate heading left across a bridge. This is a very short section on road, with no pavement.

5. Once you have crossed the bridge, head back into an area of young Birch woodland using a gate on your left.

6. Follow the path up a very slight incline and onto a boardwalk alongside the reservoir. This leads back into the pine woodland.

7. As you reach the end of the walk, a few steps uphill lead you to a gate and to the car park.

After your Broomhead Reservoir walk

Whilst in the area you may wish to visit the village of Bradfield Dale, near Dale Dike Reservoir, which has a café, ice creamb van, pubs and a small shop, village green and playground.