Top 20 Lakes around Denby Dale
Best lakes around Denby Dale are found in West Yorkshire, England, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and accessible water bodies. The area offers a variety of lakes and reservoirs, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. These water features are often nestled within scenic surroundings, making them popular destinations for those seeking natural beauty. Many locations are managed as nature reserves, contributing to the local biodiversity.
Best lakes around Denby Dale
- The most popular lakes is Langsett Reservoir, a lake that features a moderate loop path with views across the water. It serves as a base for longer walks into the Peak District and has a free car park, café, and pub nearby.
- Another must-see spot is Newmillerdam Lake, a natural monument and nature reserve. A well-surfaced path encircles the lake, making it suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and children on bikes.
- Visitors also love Pugneys Country Park Lake, a lake within a 250-acre park. This Local Nature Reserve was developed from a former opencast mine and quarry, and features a cafe on site.
- Denby Dale is known for its reservoirs, natural lakes, and country park lakes. The area provides a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from tranquil nature reserves to larger reservoirs with walking routes.
- The lakes around Denby Dale are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 upvotes and 47 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Langsett Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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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
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Bilberry Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
I expect this was for charity but there a lots of them loose from Jurassic Park lol
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Langsett Reservoir boasts well-maintained paths suitable for various abilities, making it ideal for walking, cycling, or even a leisurely stroll. The surrounding woodland and moorland offer diverse landscapes, changing beautifully with the seasons. The dam wall itself is an impressive feat of engineering, and walking across it provides great views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.
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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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The embankment of Langsett Reservoir is 352m/1, 156ft long and has a depth of 35m/117ft, to the old river bed beneath. When full, the reservoir holds 59 million m3 or 1,409 million gallons of water. The castellated valvehouse at the northern end of the dam wall is supposed to have been modelled on the gatehouse of Lancaster Castle. The reservoir took 14 years to build, between 1889 and 1904. The reservoir is now controlled by Yorkshire Water, and its naturally acidic, brown water is treated at the modern Langsett Treatment Works just below the embankment wall to the right.
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The embankment of Langsett Reservoir is 352m/1, 156ft long and has a depth of 35m/117ft, to the old river bed beneath. When full, the reservoir holds 59 million m3 or 1,409 million gallons of water. The castellated valvehouse at the northern end of the dam wall is supposed to have been modelled on the gatehouse of Lancaster Castle. The reservoir took 14 years to build, between 1889 and 1904. The reservoir is now controlled by Yorkshire Water, and its naturally acidic, brown water is treated at the modern Langsett Treatment Works just below the embankment wall to the right.
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Bilberry Reservoir, nestled in the Peak District, offers tranquil beauty with its clear waters and surrounding moorland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Denby Dale?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Newmillerdam Lake features a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and children on bikes. Pugneys Country Park Lake is another excellent choice, offering a 250-acre park with a cafe on site. Langsett Reservoir also has a moderate loop path and amenities like a car park, cafe, and pub nearby.
What kind of walking routes can I find around the lakes near Denby Dale?
You'll find a variety of walking routes. Langsett Reservoir offers a moderate loop path with great views and serves as a base for longer walks into the Peak District. The 'Denby Dale 3 reservoirs' route, which includes Scout Dike Reservoir, is an 8.3-mile walk with scenic views. For more options, explore the various hiking routes available in the area on komoot, such as those listed in the Hiking around Denby Dale guide.
Are there accessible lakes for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Yes, Newmillerdam Lake is particularly well-suited for accessibility. It has a well-surfaced path encircling the lake, making it ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are also disabled parking spots and wide entrances to the paths.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near the lakes?
You'll find amenities near several popular spots. Langsett Reservoir has a nice cafe and pub close to its parking area. Pugneys Country Park Lake also features a cafe on site, which has reopened for visitors.
What historical significance do the lakes and reservoirs have?
Many of the reservoirs have interesting histories. Langsett Reservoir took 14 years to build (1889-1904), and its castellated valvehouse is said to be modeled after the gatehouse of Lancaster Castle. Newmillerdam Lake was originally created by a dam to power mills. Bilberry Reservoir is known for a tragic event in 1852 when its embankment burst, causing significant destruction and loss of life in the Holme valley.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Denby Dale area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes for gravel biking and mountain biking that often pass by or near the reservoirs. For example, the Gravel biking around Denby Dale guide and the MTB Trails around Denby Dale guide list several routes, including those around Winscar Reservoir and Dunford Bridge.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and reservoirs are set within picturesque landscapes, offering diverse natural beauty. You'll find tranquil waters, surrounding moorland, and often dense forests. Many areas, like Newmillerdam Lake and Pugneys Country Park Lake, are managed as nature reserves, supporting local biodiversity. You might spot swans around Cold Hiendley Reservoir.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. Langsett Reservoir has a free car park, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Pugneys Country Park Lake also offers parking facilities. For other reservoirs like Scout Dike, it's advisable to check local information for specific parking areas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Denby Dale?
Visitors frequently praise the scenic views and the peaceful atmosphere. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths for walking, the opportunities for longer hikes into the Peak District from places like Langsett Reservoir, and the family-friendly nature of spots like Newmillerdam Lake. The presence of cafes and pubs also adds to the enjoyable experience.
Are dogs allowed on walks around the lakes?
Many of the walking routes around the lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserve areas or near livestock. Specific rules may vary by location, so look for signage at the individual sites.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Denby Dale?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for longer walks and outdoor activities. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, scenic walks, though paths might be muddy or icy. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Can I find longer distance trails that incorporate the lakes?
Yes, the area around Denby Dale is excellent for longer walks. Langsett Reservoir serves as a gateway to extended routes into the Peak District. Additionally, the 'Denby Dale 3 reservoirs' route is an 8.3-mile walk, and many other moderate to difficult hiking and cycling routes in the region can be found in the komoot guides for hiking and MTB trails.
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