Top 12 Lakes around Woolley
Best lakes around Woolley, a village and civil parish in West Yorkshire, England, offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. Historically an agricultural and coal-mining community, Woolley is situated between Wakefield and Barnsley, with its western boundary following the River Dearne. While not characterized by large natural lakes, the area features several notable reservoirs and park lakes developed from former industrial sites. These locations provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.
Best lakes around Woolley
- The most popular…
Last updated: October 3, 2026
Newmillerdam Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
The dam was built …
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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 …
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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 …
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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
Which lakes around Woolley are suitable for families with children?
Several lakes in the Woolley area are very family-friendly. Anglers Country Park Lake offers a 'Room on the Broom' themed walk with wood carvings, a children's play area, cafe, and toilets. Pugneys Country Park Lake is another excellent choice with a cafe, toilets, and ample parking, developed from a former opencast mine into a 250-acre park. Newmillerdam Lake also has a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs.
Are there any lakes around Woolley with accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Yes, Newmillerdam Lake is known for its well-surfaced path that encircles the lake, making it suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. It also has disabled parking spots and wide entrances.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Woolley?
Visitors often report seeing swans at Cold Hiendley Reservoir. The nature reserves like Newmillerdam Lake and Pugneys Country Park Lake, being Local Nature Reserves, are home to various bird species and other local wildlife.
Are there historical sites or features near the lakes in Woolley?
Yes, the area has a rich industrial history. Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve, for instance, was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery, with foundations of its pumping engine still visible. A colliery railway embankment from 1837 also runs through the site. Pugneys Country Park Lake itself was developed from a former opencast mine.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near the lakes?
The lakes around Woolley offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Newmillerdam Lake and Pugneys Country Park Lake. For cycling, there are routes like the 'Newmillerdam Woods Trail' and other paths suitable for touring bicycles. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, there are also easy hiking routes available. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Running Trails around Woolley, Cycling around Woolley, and Easy hikes around Woolley.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes around Woolley?
Yes, several lakes offer convenient facilities. 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 is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Woolley?
The lakes around Woolley can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walks and outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the well-surfaced paths at places like Newmillerdam Lake make for enjoyable walks.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes in the Woolley area?
While specific dog policies can vary by location, many country parks and nature reserves in the UK generally welcome dogs on leads. It's always best to check local signage at each lake, such as Newmillerdam Lake or Pugneys Country Park Lake, for any specific restrictions or designated off-lead areas.
Where can I find parking at the lakes around Woolley?
Parking is available at several popular lake destinations. Pugneys Country Park Lake offers dedicated parking facilities. Anglers Country Park Lake also has parking available. For Newmillerdam Lake, there are disabled parking spots and general parking nearby.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/290041" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cold Hiendley Reservoir</a> a popular spot?
Cold Hiendley Reservoir is appreciated for its very nice views and the opportunity to see swans. It offers a peaceful setting for walks and enjoying nature.
What is the general appeal of the lakes around Woolley for visitors?
The lakes around Woolley, many of which are former industrial sites transformed into nature reserves and recreational areas, offer a blend of historical significance and accessible natural landscapes. Visitors particularly enjoy the well-maintained paths, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities like walking, running, and cycling. The komoot community has shown significant appreciation, with over 70 upvotes and 13 photos shared.
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