Top 12 Lakes around Wintersett
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.
Best lakes around Wintersett
- The most popular lakes is Cold Hiendley Reservoir, a lake known for its views and wildlife. It is appreciated by visitors for its natural beauty and the presence of swans and fishermen.
- Another must-see spot is Newmillerdam Lake, a natural monument. This lake features a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it accessible for short walks and family outings.
- Visitors also love Pugneys Country Park Lake, a lake within a 250-acre park. It offers a cafe, toilets, and is developed from a former opencast mine, providing a large water body for various activities.
- Wintersett is known for its reservoirs, country park lakes, and nature reserves. This variety of lakes offers different environments to see and explore, from accessible paths to areas for fishing and wildlife spotting.
- The lakes around Wintersett are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 70 upvotes and 13 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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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Newmillerdam Lake
Highlight • Forest
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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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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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There is no cycling around the water. There is a fabulous steep hill down to the dam. Take care hehe
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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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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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Newmillerdam is the name given to a nearby village, the lake and the country park surrounding it. The Lakeside cafe is at the lake's northern most tip. There is also The Boathouse on the eastern edge but this is not as easily accessible by road bike. It is an area popular with walkers and the trees are a spectacular sight in their autumnal colours.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Wintersett?
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.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Wintersett area?
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.
Which lakes offer accessible trails for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
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.
What kind of wildlife can I spot at the lakes?
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.
Can I go fishing at the lakes around Wintersett?
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.
Are there walking routes around the Wintersett lakes?
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.
Are dogs allowed on walks around the lakes?
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.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or toilets near the lakes?
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.
What historical significance do some of the lakes or surrounding areas have?
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.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near the lakes?
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.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
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.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Wintersett?
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.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes?
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.
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