Lakes around Wintersett offer diverse outdoor experiences in West Yorkshire, UK. This region features a mix of reservoirs, country park lakes, and nature reserves. These areas provide opportunities for walking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The landscape includes mixed deciduous woodland and open waters.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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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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The Wintersett area features a diverse range of lakes, including reservoirs, country park lakes, and nature reserves. This variety offers different environments for activities like walking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Examples include the large Cold Hiendley Reservoir, the natural monument Newmillerdam Lake, and the expansive Pugneys Country Park Lake.
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Newmillerdam Lake has a well-surfaced path ideal for pushchairs and children on bikes. Pugneys Country Park Lake offers a cafe, toilets, and a large open space for various activities. Anglers Country Park Lake is known for its Room on the Broom wood carvings, making it a fun walk for younger kids.
Newmillerdam Lake is particularly accessible, featuring a well-surfaced path around the lake that is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It also has disabled parking spots and wide entrances to the paths.
The lakes are excellent for wildlife spotting. At Cold Hiendley Reservoir, you can often see swans. Areas like Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve and the general mixed deciduous woodland around the lakes provide habitats for various birds and other local fauna.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Wintersett Fisheries, which includes Wintersett Reservoir, Cold Hiendley, and Botany Bay, are well-known fishing spots. Wintersett Reservoir is noted for quality carp, while Cold Hiendley is being developed for specimen carp fishing. Botany Bay is suitable for shorter fishing sessions or beginners.
Absolutely. Many lakes offer walking opportunities. For example, there are easy hikes around Anglers Country Park Lake and Newmillerdam Lake. You can find more detailed routes, including circular walks and varying difficulties, in the Easy hikes around Wintersett guide.
While specific rules vary by location, many public footpaths and country parks around Wintersett are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a lead. It's always best to check local signage at each lake or reserve for specific regulations regarding dogs.
Amenities are available at several locations. Pugneys Country Park Lake has a cafe and toilets on-site. Anglers Country Park Lake also provides a cafe, toilets, and a children's play area.
The region has some interesting historical connections. Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery, with remnants of its past like pumping engine foundations and an old colliery railway embankment still visible. In Winterset, Iowa, the historic Jurgensen Bridge was relocated to Cedar Lake.
Beyond walking, the area offers opportunities for running and cycling. You can explore various routes, such as the Anglers Reservoir loop for running or the Haw Park Woods trails for cycling. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Wintersett and Cycling around Wintersett guides.
Yes, parking is generally available at the more developed lake areas. For instance, Pugneys Country Park Lake and Anglers Country Park Lake both offer parking facilities. Newmillerdam Lake also has disabled parking spots.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walks and outdoor activities, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. In winter, trails like the Cedar Lake Nature Trail in Winterset, Iowa, are open for foot traffic and suitable for snowshoeing, if conditions allow.
The provided information does not explicitly mention wild swimming opportunities or designated safe areas for it in the lakes around Wintersett, UK. It's generally advised to exercise caution and check local regulations before attempting wild swimming in any natural body of water.


Still not found your perfect lake around Wintersett? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.