Best attractions and places to see around Newmillerdam include a significant lake and surrounding woodland, forming a nature reserve managed by Wakefield Council. The area features well-surfaced paths suitable for various visitors, alongside more adventurous woodland trails. It is a popular destination for walks and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. The landscape is characterized by its lake, forest, and natural habitats.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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This is a lovely place to take a walk and look at the wildlife. The walk is accessible around the dam. However the trails above it are great for the more adventuress. The Dam Inn has some very nice staff and the food is very nice too
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I was surprised to see more baby coots today. Plus lovely to see the Grebe bob in and out of the water. They can stay under for ages
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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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I used to come here as a kid and it's good to see that there are still lots of kids visiting the area. Due to it's relatively flat ground and minimal stones pushchairs can be used to navigate around the waters. There are disabled parking spots and wide entrances and exits to the paths so wheelchair users are also able to visit this lovely area. More adventurous explorers may wish to go off track and go into the woodland (unfortunately, this isn't a wheelchair option do to steps going up into the woods) where you can find walking tracks, cycling tracks (which I think may be part of Wakefield on Wheels (WoW)) and a gnome finding track for the little ones.
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Had some nice twisty turns on it with a few steps along the way. Takes you along to the woods with lots of tracks to follow
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Newmillerdam offers a variety of walks. You can enjoy a well-surfaced path around Newmillerdam Lake, which is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and children on bikes. For those seeking more adventure, there are also woodland trails, such as the Newmillerdam Country Park Woodland Trail, which feature twisty turns and some steps.
Yes, Newmillerdam is very family-friendly. The path around Newmillerdam Lake is ideal for families with pushchairs or young children. Additionally, the woodland trails offer opportunities for adventurous explorers, including a gnome-finding track for the little ones. Wildlife spotting, especially at Grebes and baby Coots, is also a popular family activity.
Yes, the main path around Newmillerdam Lake is well-surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs. There are also disabled parking spots and wide entrances and exits to the paths, ensuring good accessibility. However, the more adventurous woodland trails are not wheelchair accessible due to steps.
There is a car park available at Newmillerdam, located off the A61 Barnsley Road. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times as it can get busy. There are also disabled parking spots provided.
Newmillerdam is a nature reserve, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Visitors frequently observe various bird species, including grebes and coots, particularly at the Grebes and baby Coots viewpoint. The woodland areas also host diverse flora and fauna.
Yes, The Dam Inn is a popular pub conveniently located near the lake, serving as a great spot to start or finish your walk. There are also other cafes and pubs in the vicinity of Newmillerdam village.
The well-surfaced path around Newmillerdam Lake is approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) long. An easy walk around the lake typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Besides walking around the lake and through the woodlands, Newmillerdam is a great base for hiking and road cycling. You can find various routes, including easy hikes and moderate road cycling tours, starting from or passing through the area. Explore more options on komoot's guides for Hiking around Newmillerdam and Road Cycling Routes around Newmillerdam.
Newmillerdam is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings new life and blooming flora, while summer offers pleasant weather for walks and outdoor dining. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and winter provides crisp, scenic walks, especially after a fresh snowfall. Always check the local weather forecast before your visit.
Yes, the most popular circular walk is the path directly around Newmillerdam Lake. There are also longer circular routes that extend into the surrounding woodlands and connect to nearby areas, offering varied distances and difficulties. You can find several circular hiking routes in the Hiking around Newmillerdam guide.
Newmillerdam stands out with its significant lake, which was originally created to power local mills, now serving as a tranquil nature reserve. It uniquely combines a highly accessible, well-surfaced lakeside path with more adventurous, natural woodland trails, catering to a wide range of visitors from families with pushchairs to keen hikers. The presence of The Dam Inn right on the doorstep also adds to its charm as a convenient starting or finishing point for explorations.
Newmillerdam is a popular spot for dog walkers, with many trails suitable for pets. Most pubs in the area, including The Dam Inn, are generally dog-friendly, often welcoming well-behaved dogs in certain areas or providing outdoor seating options. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors.


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