The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Redmires Middle Reservoir

The Redmires Middle Reservoir area offers a wide variety of hiking options, with over 1000 routes recorded on komoot. Among these, you'll find more than 460 easy trails and 440 moderate trails, many of which are suitable for families looking for an enjoyable day out.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. Many paths around the reservoirs are well-maintained, offering relatively flat and easy walking. However, trails extending into areas like Wyming Brook Nature Reserve feature wooded ravines with mixed surfaced and unsurfaced paths, while routes venturing onto the moorland will present more open, sometimes uneven, ground. Appropriate footwear is always recommended, especially after rain.

Yes, there are several easy circular options. A popular choice is the walk that circles the three Redmires Reservoirs, offering pleasant views and generally well-maintained paths. For a slightly different experience, consider the Stanage Stone Slabs – Stanage Edge loop from Redmires Upper Reservoir, which is an easy 4.2 km route with an elevation gain of around 109 meters, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The area is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter the serene waters of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Redmires Reservoirs, which are a focal point for many walks. The wooded ravine of Wyming Brook Nature Reserve offers a beautiful contrast, with its flowing water and ancient trees. Beyond the reservoirs, you can explore expansive open moorland, part of the Hallam Moors, providing a sense of wilderness and far-reaching views. Keep an eye out for the historic Long Causeway, a medieval packhorse saltway.

Absolutely! The diverse habitats make it excellent for wildlife spotting. The reservoirs attract numerous waterfowl and waders like Grey Heron and Great Crested Grebe. In Wyming Brook, you might spot dippers and various woodland birds. The moorland areas are home to Curlew, Snipe, and Skylark. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to observe nature.

For families seeking a slightly longer or more challenging walk, the Redmires Reservoir & Wyming Brook loop is a great option. This moderate 8.5 km trail combines reservoir-side paths with a descent through the scenic Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, taking around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. Another moderate choice is the Wyming Brook Nature Reserve – Redmires Reservoirs loop from Redmires Upper Reservoir, which is about 10.8 km long.

Redmires Middle Reservoir is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for families, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. In spring, you'll see new growth and migratory birds, while summer provides lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter walks can be stunning, but paths may be muddy or icy, requiring extra care and appropriate gear.

Yes, there are several parking options available in the vicinity of Redmires Middle Reservoir, particularly near the Upper Reservoir and along the roads leading to the trailheads. These are generally well-signposted, but it's always advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.

Many of the trails around Redmires Middle Reservoir are dog-friendly, making it a great place to bring your canine companion. However, as parts of the area are within or border the Peak District National Park and include nature reserves and moorland, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow local signage regarding lead requirements.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 9,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the beautiful reservoir views, the tranquility of Wyming Brook, and the variety of paths suitable for different abilities. Many highlight the accessibility from Sheffield and the opportunity to experience both woodland and open moorland scenery.

While Redmires Middle Reservoir itself is a natural area, there are cafes and pubs in the nearby villages and within a short drive towards Sheffield. These establishments offer a range of options for refreshments or a meal after your family hike.