Between Meltham and Slaithwaite, south-west of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Blackmoorfoot Reservoir

Reservoir

Place photograph

5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideHillsWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

A quiet reservoir walk with open water views and a mostly flat, well-surfaced path on its eastern and southern sides.

Blackmoorfoot is a straightforward waterside escape rather than a remote wilderness: the appeal is its calm reservoir setting, migrating-bird habitat and an easy, purposeful walk. The official route avoids the less pleasant roadside circuit around the western and northern shores.

Peaceful · Big-sky

Find your way

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Between Meltham and Slaithwaite, south-west of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

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The experience

A short, mostly level waterside walk between Meltham and Slaithwaite. Allow around two hours for Yorkshire Water’s 1.5-mile out-and-back route, with time to pause for the views and wildlife.

Things to do

Walk the official Blackmoorfoot route

Follow Yorkshire Water’s out-and-back path along two sides of the reservoir. It is mostly flat and well surfaced, with a consistent width of about two metres.

About 2 hours

Pause for waterside and countryside views

Use the route’s rest points to stop and look across the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

Watch for wildlife and migrating birds

The reservoir is described by Yorkshire Water as a haven for wildlife and migrating birds. Specific species and viewing locations are not verified in the supplied sources.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 2 hours

The easy waterside amble

01
Begin at the eastern or southern access described by Yorkshire Water.
02
Follow the designated path beside the reservoir.
03
Pause at the route’s rest points to take in the water and surrounding countryside.
04
Return along the same path.

When to go

· Early morning for a quieter walk; this is a practical suggestion rather than a verified wildlife peak.

The supplied source row describes seasonal changes and notes spring flora and returning migratory birds, but gives no independently sourced month-by-month guidance.

Check the forecast and bring suitable layers and footwear. The supplied sources do not provide route-specific weather guidance.

The route

stiles: No steps, stiles or gates on the official route.
surface: Mostly flat, well surfaced, approximately two metres wide.
distance: 1.5 miles
duration: About 2 hours
difficulty: Easy; Yorkshire Water rates it 1 out of 4.
route shape: Out and back; return the same way.
start point: The route follows two sides of the reservoir; Yorkshire Water gives access-road directions but no precise start-point coordinates.
parking start: No car park at the reservoir. Some roadside parking is available on Reservoir Side Road (HD7 5JW) and the southern access road (HD9 5RW); park considerately.

Tranquil woodland and wide views across the water and countryside
Rest points along the route
A wildlife and migrating-bird setting

What to look for

Look across the water and surrounding countryside, and watch for wildlife and migrating birds. The supplied sources do not verify particular species or seasonal sightings.

Best time to go

Year-round; spring is noted as a time when flora comes to life and migratory birds return.

Early morning is a sensible choice for a quieter walk. Yorkshire Water highlights the reservoir as a haven for wildlife and migrating birds but does not specify peak viewing times.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Yorkshire Water describes a public walking route along two sides of the reservoir. Follow the designated route and check current local information before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Yorkshire Water says there is no car park at the reservoir. Some roadside parking is available on Reservoir Side Road (HD7 5JW) and the southern access road (HD9 5RW); park considerately.

Toilets

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Food & drink

No on-site food information verified; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current local signage and guidance before visiting with a dog.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The official 1.5-mile route is mostly flat and well surfaced, around two metres wide, with no steps, stiles or gates. The source does not confirm that every part of the reservoir is accessible.

Cost

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Water

Reservoir