Top 12 Lakes around Ryhill
Best lakes around Ryhill are primarily found in the surrounding areas, offering diverse natural attractions. The village is situated near significant water bodies like Wintersett Reservoir and Anglers Country Park, which provide extensive outdoor recreation. These areas, often transformed from former industrial sites, now feature varied habitats and accessible paths. The landscape around Ryhill includes both natural and man-made lakes, catering to various outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Ryhill
- The most popular lakes is Cold Hiendley Reservoir, a lake that offers scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching, with swans often present. It is also a popular spot for fishing.
- Another must-see spot is Newmillerdam Lake, a natural monument. This lake features a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and cycling, making it accessible for many visitors.
- Visitors also love Pugneys Country Park Lake, a facility with a cafe and amenities. This 250-acre park was developed from a former opencast mine and offers a large lake for recreation.
- Ryhill is known for reservoirs, country park lakes, and nature reserve lakes. These provide a variety of environments to explore, from accessible paths to wildlife habitats.
- The lakes around Ryhill are appreciated by the komoot community, with 76 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Newmillerdam Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield.
The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council.
The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
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Pugneys Country Park Lake
Highlight • Rest Area
Toilets are open too
Pugneys Country Park is a 250-acre park located on the A636 between Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England and Junction 39 of the M1 motorway. It is a Local Nature Reserve. The area was developed from a former opencast mine and a sand and gravel quarry and was opened to the public in 1985. It is overlooked by Sandal Castle.
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896.
On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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Anglers Country Park Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Cafe and toilets here as well as parking and children’s play area
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I expect this was for charity but there a lots of them loose from Jurassic Park lol
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This is vast and looks great as you get over the little bridge
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to supply water to the growing city of Wakefield. The dam had to be strengthened in 1990. This is a popular fishing reservoir with large carp. There is a nice trail around the edge and the Trans Pennine Trail follows the Barnsley Canal path past the dam.
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Nice walk to take younger kids on, especially if they like Room on the Broom as there are wood carvings of characters from the book that tell the story as you go around the lake.
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Newmiller Dam is the lake created by the dam for the new mill :-) The village is called Newmillerdam as in New Mill on the Dam. The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield. The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council. The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
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This area was once fields but shallow flooding occurred after the Second World War due to the clogging up of surface water drains and mining subsidence. The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896. On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and hiking around Ryhill?
For walking and hiking, Anglers Country Park Lake offers a two-mile, wheelchair and pushchair-friendly lakeside path. Adjacent to it, Wintersett Reservoir provides serene and easy walks, including a 7 km (4.35 miles) loop with minimal elevation. Newmillerdam Lake also features a well-surfaced path suitable for various users. For more challenging options, Cold Hiendley Reservoir has trails of intermediate difficulty. You can find more hiking routes in the area by exploring the Easy hikes around Ryhill guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities near Ryhill?
Yes, Anglers Country Park Lake is particularly family-friendly, featuring an adventure playground and the popular 'Room on the Broom Trail' with interactive sculptures. Newmillerdam Lake has a path suitable for pushchairs and children on bikes. Pugneys Country Park Lake also offers family-friendly facilities and a large lake for recreation. Wintersett Reservoir is suitable for family cycling and walks.
Which lakes offer good opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation?
Anglers Country Park Lake is considered one of England's important inland bird sites, with several hides for spotting migratory birds and wintering wildfowl. Wintersett Reservoir is also home to diverse wildlife, including ducks, geese, swans, and various bird species, making it a good spot for birdwatching. You can often see swans around Cold Hiendley Reservoir as well.
Are the lakes around Ryhill accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Yes, both Anglers Country Park Lake and Newmillerdam Lake offer well-surfaced paths that are wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. Anglers Country Park even provides electric mobility scooters free of charge to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
What cycling opportunities are available near the lakes?
The lakeside path at Anglers Country Park Lake is popular for cycling. Wintersett Reservoir also has well-maintained paths suitable for family cycling, and the Wakefield Wheel Cycle Route passes by it. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Ryhill guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Ryhill guide.
Are there any historical sites or natural reserves near the lakes?
Yes, Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve, though once fields, has historical significance as part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery, with remnants of its past still visible. Pugneys Country Park Lake is also a Local Nature Reserve, developed from a former opencast mine. Wintersett Reservoir itself was built on the site of an old coal mine, with visible remnants of its industrial past.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Ryhill?
Yes, the trails around Wintersett Reservoir are dog-friendly, providing ample space for pets. Many of the paths in Anglers Country Park are also suitable for dogs, though always check for specific signage regarding leash requirements or restricted areas.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?
Anglers Country Park Lake has a newly refurbished Visitor Centre with exhibition space, a gift shop, and the Woodland Café for refreshments. Pugneys Country Park Lake also features a cafe and amenities on site.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Ryhill?
The lakes around Ryhill offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the full range of outdoor activities, lush greenery, and warmer weather. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks and opportunities for spotting wintering wildfowl at places like Anglers Country Park and Wintersett Reservoir.
Where can I find parking for the lakes?
Parking is available at key locations. Anglers Country Park Lake has dedicated parking facilities, including disabled parking spots. Pugneys Country Park Lake also offers parking for visitors. For Wintersett Reservoir, parking is typically available in designated areas near the reservoir.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on walks around the lakes?
You can expect to see diverse natural features, including expansive lake views, grasslands, woodlands, and wetland areas like the 'Pol' at Anglers Country Park. The areas often feature rich biodiversity, with various bird species and other wildlife. Some locations, like Wintersett Reservoir, are surrounded by woodlands such as Haw Park Wood, adding to the scenic beauty.
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