Tittesworth Reservoir walk: toddler and pram friendly (2.8km)

On the Staffordshire edge of the Peak District, not far from Leek, is Tittesworth Reservoir, the perfect place for families with a range of walking trails to suit all ages and abilities.

There’s a couple of short accessible routes including this 2.8 km pram friendly loop. The walk offers beautiful views across Tittesworth Reservoir, sheltered woodland and a shallow river for paddling so don’t forget to bring the kids wellies or waterproof boots. The paths are a mixture of flat gravel terrain and wooden boardwalks, so perfect for little legs, prams and buggies.

A highlight for the kids is the fantastic playground which has two separate play areas for different ages, a zipline and sandpit. It’s one of the best playgrounds in the Peak District. There are also plenty of picnic benches, a take-away café and the Waterview Restaurant.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, there’s also a 4.5 km trail and 7.5 km complete reservoir loop. Although please note that these options are not pram friendly. Or for something a little different, you might want to try out paddle boarding or kayaking at the Tittesworth Water Sport and Activity Centre.

This short Tittesworth Reservoir walk is close by to our Lud’s Church walk and The Roaches walk, although these walks are a bit more strenuous and not pram friendly.

Tittesworth Reservoirs walk map

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 Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

Preview	Product	Price
	The Peak District: White Peak Area Map | Weatherproof | Peak…	£14.07	Buy on Amazon

This Tittesworth Reservoir walk is partly linear, with the small loop section clockwise.

Get a printable download of this walk

The route

START: Tittesworth Water Car Park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SJ 9935 6019
Post code: ST13 8SN
what3words: ///flagpole.crows.query

This is a linear route.

1. With the Visitor Centre behind you, cross the zebra crossing and take the right-hand path. Walk 150 metres over to the other side of the parking area towards the play area, where the walking trails start. 

2. Turn left onto the path following the signpost for ‘Walking trails’ and in the opposite direction to the ‘Visitor Centre and Toilets’. The playground will be on your left; perhaps save this as something for the kids to look forward to after the walk.

3. Continue along the gravel path, taking in the views of the reservoir across to your right. After 350 metres, take the right-hand path and walk a further 50 metres down into the woods where the River Churnet feeds into the reservoir. This is the perfect spot to stop for a paddle in the shallow water. 

4. Continue by walking across the bridge and following the path for a further 550 metres over another small bridge and slightly uphill. Make sure you stick to the main path, ignoring a smaller path to the right. You might spot a den along here for the kids to play in.

5. Where the path splits, take the left-hand path following the signpost for the Fosters Trail only. Continue to walk for 400 metres over a wooden bridge which marks the halfway point of the walk.

6. When you reach the footpath junction, turn right and follow the signpost for the Fosters Trail, Visitor Centre and Reservoir Trail.

7. Follow the path for 300 metres until it bends around to the right and then splits again. Take the left-hand path signposted back to the Visitor Centre and Reservoir Trail. You’ll notice the righthand path is the one you took earlier.

8. Follow the path you came along for 550 metres until you reach the bridge at the spot we recommended for paddling. At this point you can walk back the way you came or take a short alternative route by taking the right-hand path. 

9. After 100 metres, the path meets up with the original path you started on. Follow this for a further 300 metres back to the playground. It’s guaranteed the kids will find some more energy with the playground offering the excitement of a zipline and sandpit!

After your Tittesworth Reservoir walk

There’s plenty of benches to sit and enjoy a picnic at or a take-away drink or snack from the Visitor Centre. Alternatively, the Waterview Restaurant offers breakfast, sandwiches and more substantial meals with beautiful views across the reservoir.