The best mountain hikes around Redmires Middle Reservoir

The area offers a diverse landscape, ranging from paths around the trio of reservoirs to expansive open moorland and the wooded ravine of Wyming Brook Nature Reserve. You'll encounter a mix of surfaced tracks and unsurfaced paths, with significant elevation gains, especially as you venture towards gritstone escarpments like Stanage Edge.

While many routes involve significant elevation and varied terrain, the immediate reservoir area offers more accessible walks. For a moderate mountaineering experience that families with older children might enjoy, consider the Stanage Edge Viewpoint – Stanage Edge loop from Redmires Upper Reservoir, which is 7.0 miles long and offers rewarding views without being overly strenuous.

Many routes around Redmires Middle Reservoir are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially when crossing moorland where ground-nesting birds and livestock are present. The Wyming Brook Nature Reserve also welcomes dogs on leads. Always be mindful of local signage and respect wildlife.

You'll encounter several iconic features. The reservoirs themselves offer picturesque views. Further afield, Stanage Edge is a significant gritstone escarpment known for its dramatic views across the moors. The Long Causeway, an ancient packhorse saltway, also offers historical interest as it leads towards Stanage Edge. For a route with excellent views, try the Stanage Edge Viewpoint – Stanage Edge loop from Redmires Upper Reservoir.

Yes, many of the mountaineering routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Stanage Edge Viewpoint – Stanage Edge loop from Redmires Upper Reservoir is a popular circular option. Another great choice is the Curbar Edge – Froggatt Edge loop from Grindleford, which explores more gritstone edges.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with cooler temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer can be beautiful but also busier. Winter mountaineering is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially icy or snowy conditions, especially on higher moorland sections. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

While the Redmires Middle Reservoir area is on the western edge of Sheffield, public transport options directly to all trailheads can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services from Sheffield city centre towards the Redmires area. Some routes, like the Curbar Edge – Froggatt Edge loop from Grindleford, might be more accessible via train to Grindleford station.

Parking is available at various points around the Redmires reservoirs, including near Redmires Upper Reservoir, which serves as a starting point for routes like the Stanage Edge Viewpoint – Stanage Edge loop. For routes further into the Peak District, specific parking areas will be indicated on individual tour descriptions.

Yes, after your mountaineering adventure, you can find several cafes and pubs in the surrounding villages and on the outskirts of Sheffield. These establishments offer a chance to refuel and relax. It's a good idea to check their opening times in advance.

The mountaineering routes around Redmires Middle Reservoir are predominantly rated as moderate. This means they typically involve sustained ascents and descents, varied terrain, and require a reasonable level of fitness. There are no easy or difficult routes listed directly within this guide, but the area's proximity to the Peak District offers a range of challenges.

The area is rich in wildlife. Around the reservoirs, you might spot various waterbirds. The coniferous woodlands of Wyming Brook Nature Reserve are home to species like crossbill and sparrowhawk. On the open moorlands, look out for curlew, snipe, and red grouse. Water voles can also be found in the feeder streams.

The duration varies depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the Back Tor Trig Point – Derwent Edge loop from Hallfield, which is 7.1 miles (11.5 km), typically takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes. Other moderate routes of similar length, such as the Stanage Edge Viewpoint – Stanage Edge loop, are estimated to take around 3 hours and 6 minutes.

The routes around Redmires Middle Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Mountaineers often praise the varied terrain, the stunning views across the moors, and the challenging yet rewarding ascents, particularly towards iconic gritstone edges like Stanage Edge.