Dale Dike Reservoir walk (circular, 4.8km)

The Dale Dike Reservoir walk oozes with calm and tranquillity as you amble through woodland and meadows following the water’s edge. Waves gently lap against the sandy shores, twisted old trees grow as close to the reservoir as possible, and the sky reflects upon the water; you can’t help but feel relaxed on this Peak District reservoir walk. Plus, the surrounding fields with grazing cows, geese and sheep make this a really wonderful, diverse environment for a family walk.

Dale Dike Reservoir (also sometime spelt Dale Dyke Reservoir) was the site of the Great Sheffield Flood when the Dam failed in 1864 killing over 250 people. There is signage enroute with more information about this catastrophic event. Watch the below YouTube video to find out more before your visit.

As you walk you may notice a large tower standing on a hill side named ‘Boots Folly’. It is thought that it was constructed by Charles Boot in 1927 where he could stand to see the grave of his wife at the graveyard in High Bradfield. 

Map of Dale Dike 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 Dale Dike Reservoir walk follows the below OS Map in an anticlockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK:  4.8km / 3 miles

TYPE OF WALK: circular reservoir walk

PARKING: Roadside parking on Dale Road, just 100 metres west of Walker House Farm. Click here for the Google Map point, postcode S6 6LE. Parking is on the road, so please park considerably and ensure emergency vehicles can pass through. These verges are an essential habitat for nature and must be left undisturbed.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS:  Interesting history, peaceful ancient woodland setting.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids, this is a 2 hour walk. Allow about 3 hours for this walk with young kids.

ACCESSIBILITY: There are no stiles, but some narrow gates. The footpath around the reservoir gets very muddy during the wetter months.

TOTAL ASCENT: 149 metres

FACILITIES: There are no facilities on this walk.

The route

START: Roadside parking on Dale Road (100 metres west of Walker House Farm)
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2457 9205
Post code: S36 4ZA
what3words: ///starred.slowness.fixture

Route follows an anticlockwise direction.

1. Enter the bridleway path off the road, via the stone post and gate. 

2. Follow the path as it heads down the track. On your left is an information sign worth reading about the history of Dale Dike Dam.  

3. At the junction where the path splits in two; keep right following the top path. Shortly afterwards, the dam wall will come into view. 

4. Keep right at the metal gate and follow the path around through a series of gates. Unfortunately access to the dam wall is not permitted. Continue along the footpath that follows the water’s edge.

5. As you continue along the woodland path with Dale Dike Reservoir on your left, there are sections where the path comes right up close to the water’s edge. Here, low water levels expose tree roots and sandy shores for you to explore. Please note that swimming in the reservoir is not permitted.

6. 1.5km from the dam wall, you will reach the far end far Dale Dike Reservoir with a wooden bridge over a stream. Head over the bridge and follow the path immediately on the left. Ignore the second footbridge.

7. 100 meters on from the footbridge, the footpath splits in two. Take the footpath on the left, following the river. Ignore the footpath on the right 200 metres further along. Just keep alongside the river.

8. As you approach the other end of the reservoir (1.2km from the footbridge), you will spot an old pump house just in front of the reservoir wall. Continue straight ahead, taking the fork on the right into the woodland.

9. 150 metres from the dam wall, the path leads to steps heading downhill. Follow these down to the bottom where is a perfectly placed bench for a snack stop. Sit on the bench and listen to the nearby water overflow, which makes a funny squeaking noise when the water is coming out fast! 

10. Follow the access-track around the corner and over another bridge. This bridge is a good one for Pooh Sticks! 

11. The track continues slightly uphill, then joins with the footpath at the start of this walk. Continue along this footpath back to your car.