Damflask Reservoir
A serene 3.3-mile circular walk around a picturesque reservoir near Sheffield, offering stunning views and accessible trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Damflask Reservoir
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 3.3-mile circular walk around a picturesque reservoir near Sheffield, offering stunning views and accessible trails.
"A stunning escape just 5 miles from Sheffield's hustle, perfect for nature lovers and families."
🚗 Parking Tips
Free roadside parking is available, but can get busy. Arrive early, especially on weekends!
👟 Footwear Advice
Sturdy shoes are recommended as paths can get muddy and icy in winter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Circular Reservoir Walk
Damflask Reservoir
An easy, mostly flat 3.3-mile trail offering stunning water and woodland views. Perfect for all ages and abilities.
Sheffield University Rowing Club
Damflask Reservoir
Catch a glimpse of the university rowers practicing on the water, especially during autumn mornings.
Wildlife Spotting
Damflask Reservoir
Keep an eye out for ducks, voles, and even mandarin ducks. The waters are teeming with birdlife.
Historic Echoes of the Past
Damflask Reservoir
Reflect on the site of the old Damflask village, submerged after the 1864 Sheffield Flood.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Parking Tips
Free roadside parking is available, but can get busy. Arrive early, especially on weekends!
👟 Footwear Advice
Sturdy shoes are recommended as paths can get muddy and icy in winter.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome! Keep them on a lead near the sailing club and during busy times.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic views. Plenty of spots to relax and refuel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Free roadside parking is available, but can get busy. Arrive early, especially on weekends!
👟 Footwear Advice
Sturdy shoes are recommended as paths can get muddy and icy in winter.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome! Keep them on a lead near the sailing club and during busy times.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic views. Plenty of spots to relax and refuel.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
The main path is wide, flat, and suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
📍 Nearby Gems
Consider a visit to Agden Reservoir for a quieter, more woodland experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Damflask Reservoir as a beautiful and accessible escape near Sheffield. The easy, flat circular walk, stunning water views, and family-friendly nature are consistently praised. While parking can be a challenge on busy days and swimming is prohibited, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering a peaceful natural retreat.
"A Stunning Escape at Damflask Reservoir!
Visited Damflask Reservoir today and wow, what a gem just 5 miles from Sheffield’s hustle! Nestled in the Loxley Valley on the edge of the Peak District, this 47-hectare reservoir is a must for anyone craving nature without a long trek. Here’s why you need to go:
The Walk: The 3.3-mile circular trail is a dream—mostly flat, well-maintained, and pram/wheelchair-friendly. It took us about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace, with breathtaking views of shimmering water and lush hills.
Pro tip: Start at The Sands car park in Low Bradfield (S6 6LA, free roadside parking) and follow the clear path. One short road section near the sailing club, so keep dogs/kids close there.
Highlights: The scenery is unreal—think sparkling water, woodland trails, and the occasional sailing boat gliding by. We spotted ducks, a cheeky vole, and even a mandarin duck near the dam wall! The path passes the site of the old Damflask village, washed away in the 1864 Sheffield Flood—adds a haunting vibe.
Tips: Go early or on a weekday to avoid crowds and parking can be tricky. Watch for cyclists and dog-walkers. If it’s wet, paths can get muddy, so wear sturdy shoes. For a quieter walk, Agden Reservoir is 5 minutes away.
Damflask is a perfect mix of serenity and accessibility. Whether you’re after a family stroll, a dog walk, or just a peaceful reset, this place delivers. Pack a picnic, soak in the views, and enjoy!"
Deepak Sharma
"Great reservoir to walk round, you can via off a bit to the cafe! Free roadside parking, good circular walk lots to see, mostly water side but a bit on road walking near the sailing club, max loved it too! Only saw birds near the paid fishing area"
ilona rigo
"Great for an easy walk the path is mostly compressed limestone chippings so no need for boots but it can be muddy in places during the winter months and sometimes it gets very icy. Good access to lower bradfield pubs and cafes. Can get very busy though which can make parking difficult.
Sheffield rowing club row here and there is a sailing club too. Fishing is allowed with a permit."
Tim Milson
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Damflask Reservoir is located about 5 miles from Sheffield city center. You can drive there, with free roadside parking available, particularly at The Sands car park in Low Bradfield (S6 6LA). Public transport options might involve buses to nearby villages like Bradfield, followed by a walk. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is free roadside parking available around Damflask Reservoir, especially near Low Bradfield. However, it can get very busy on weekends and during peak times, so arriving early is advised.
Absolutely! Damflask Reservoir is a popular spot for cyclists. The main circular route is relatively flat and has solid trails, making it enjoyable for a bike ride.
While there isn't a direct bus to the reservoir itself, you can take buses to nearby villages like Bradfield and then enjoy a walk to the reservoir. It's recommended to check local bus timetables for services from Sheffield.
Many visitors recommend starting their walk from The Sands car park in Low Bradfield (S6 6LA). This provides easy access to the main circular path around the reservoir.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry fees or tickets required to visit Damflask Reservoir. It's a public access area for walking and enjoying nature.
Damflask Reservoir is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times as it's an outdoor natural space.
There is no admission fee to enter Damflask Reservoir. Access to the walking paths and surrounding areas is free for everyone.
Swimming is generally not permitted in Yorkshire Water reservoirs, including Damflask, due to safety reasons and water quality. Signs are usually in place to indicate this.
While generally open, it's always good to be mindful of the environment. Keep dogs on leads where required, take litter home, and respect the wildlife. During very icy conditions, extra caution is advised.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The most popular route is the 3.3-mile circular walk around the reservoir. It's mostly flat, well-maintained, and suitable for prams and wheelchairs, offering lovely views throughout.
Yes, the main circular path is wide, flat, and well-surfaced, making it ideal for prams, pushchairs, and young children. It's a great family-friendly walk.
You can spot various bird species, including ducks and potentially mandarin ducks. Small mammals like voles have also been seen.
While there are no facilities directly at the reservoir, the nearby village of Low Bradfield offers pubs and cafes where you can find amenities and refreshments.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Damflask Reservoir. It's a great place for a dog walk, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially near the sailing club and during busy periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with beautiful reflections on the water and stunning sunset views.
Yes, drone enthusiasts have captured impressive aerial shots of Damflask Reservoir, showcasing its expansive beauty and surrounding landscape.
Expect picturesque views of the reservoir, surrounding woodlands, rolling hills, and the occasional sailing boat. The reflections on the water are particularly photogenic.
Definitely! Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands surrounding the reservoir, making it a beautiful subject for photography during the fall season.
Key photo opportunities include the reflections on the water, the dam wall, the rowing club in action, and the overall panoramic views of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially near the sailing club and during busy periods, to ensure the safety of other visitors and wildlife. The reservoir provides a refreshing environment for a good walk, and many visitors report their dogs absolutely love it.🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
You can easily incorporate it into your training routine, and the scenic surroundings provide a motivating backdrop. Some runners even extend their routes by adding loops or exploring nearby areas for a greater challenge.📸 Photographers
Drone photography enthusiasts can capture breathtaking aerial shots of the landscape.+1 The presence of the rowing club also provides dynamic subjects for action shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Damflask Reservoir Walk: A User's Guide
While the main path is straightforward, there are occasional sections where you might encounter cyclists or other walkers. A short stretch near the sailing club involves a brief section on a quiet road, so it's wise to keep a close eye on children and dogs during this part.
For those seeking a slightly different perspective or a bit more of a challenge, there are opportunities to explore off-path routes or combine the Damflask walk with nearby reservoirs like Agden. The Sheffield University Rowing Club also uses the reservoir, providing a dynamic element to the scenery, especially on crisp autumn mornings.
The historical significance of the old Damflask village, submerged after the 1864 flood, adds a layer of intrigue to the landscape.Wildlife and Nature at Damflask
The surrounding woodlands and open spaces also support a variety of flora and fauna. The changing seasons bring different spectacles, from the lush greens of summer to the fiery hues of autumn.
The relatively undisturbed nature of the area, especially during quieter times, allows for a more immersive wildlife viewing experience. It’s a reminder of the natural beauty that exists just a stone's throw from the urban environment of Sheffield.While Damflask is a protected water source, its natural beauty is accessible for all to enjoy. The presence of the rowing and sailing clubs also indicates a healthy ecosystem that supports these activities. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their habitats. The reservoir serves as a vital green space, offering a peaceful retreat for both humans and the creatures that call it home.
The History and Legacy of Damflask
The construction of the reservoir itself was a significant engineering feat, undertaken to provide a reliable water supply for the growing city of Sheffield. Managed by Yorkshire Water, it's a crucial part of the region's infrastructure, ensuring water security for thousands. The reservoir's presence has also shaped the local landscape and recreational opportunities, transforming the valley into a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can reflect on this history as they walk the circular path. While there are no visible remnants of the old village, the very existence of the reservoir serves as a constant reminder of the past. It’s a place where natural beauty meets historical significance, offering a unique and contemplative experience for those who visit.
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