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

Blackmoorfoot Reservoir

Reservoir

Place photograph

5.3

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideHillsWalkersWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.3

A quiet reservoir-side walk with wide views across the water and surrounding countryside. The full circuit is not currently available: Yorkshire Water reports a footbridge closure, so plan for the shorter out-and-back route instead.

Blackmoorfoot earns its place for a straightforward waterside escape on the edge of West Yorkshire’s open countryside. The gentle route pairs tranquil woodland and reservoir views with the chance to watch migrating birds, without needing to commit to a long walk.

Peaceful

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

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The experience

A short, mostly flat out-and-back walk beside the reservoir, with tranquil woodland and wide countryside views. The circular route is currently unavailable because of a footbridge closure.

Things to do

Walk the reservoir-side path

Follow Yorkshire Water’s gentle out-and-back route along two sides of the reservoir. It is described as mostly flat and well-surfaced; the full circular route is currently unavailable because of a footbridge closure.

About 2 hours

Pause for the wide views

Use the route’s rest points to take in the reservoir, tranquil woodland and surrounding countryside.

Watch for migrating birds

Bring binoculars and scan the water and surrounding landscape. Yorkshire Water describes the reservoir as a haven for wildlife and migrating birds; sightings are not guaranteed.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick waterside escape

01
Start from the Reservoir Side Road area and follow the signed or mapped Yorkshire Water route.
02
Walk the 1.5-mile out-and-back path along two sides of the reservoir.
03
Pause at the rest points for the water and countryside views, then return the same way.

Half day · Half day

Take your time by the reservoir

01
Walk the Yorkshire Water out-and-back route at an unhurried pace.
02
Allow time to stop at the rest points and watch for migrating birds.
03
Bring your own refreshments; no on-site café or shop is identified in the supplied sources.
04
Do not plan a circuit: Yorkshire Water reports that a footbridge closure currently prevents circular access.

When to go

· Morning, for a quieter walk; no specific time is guaranteed to be uncrowded.

The supplied sources describe the walk as suitable year-round and identify migrating birds, but do not give peak months. The route remains outdoors and conditions can change seasonally.

Paths may be muddy or overgrown in places according to AllTrails. Wear suitable footwear and check current route conditions. Yorkshire Water asks visitors to stay on the path.

What to look for

Look across the reservoir and surrounding countryside for migrating birds. The supplied sources describe the reservoir as a wildlife haven, but do not identify particular rare species or viewing hides.

Best time to go

Year-round; spring and autumn are especially appealing for changing colour and seasonal birdlife.

Visit in the morning for a quieter walk and time to watch the water and surrounding countryside. Spring and autumn bring seasonal interest; conditions and bird sightings vary.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

Yorkshire Water describes a 1.5-mile out-and-back walk on the reservoir’s eastern and southern sides. There is currently no circular access because a footbridge is closed. Some roadside parking is available on Reservoir Side Road; park considerately. Follow the path and check Yorkshire Water’s current guidance before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

No car park at the reservoir. Yorkshire Water reports some roadside parking on Reservoir Side Road; park with consideration for other road users.

Toilets

No toilets are identified in the supplied sources. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No on-site café or shop is identified in the supplied sources. Bring refreshments.

Dogs

Yorkshire Water asks visitors to keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them.

Accessibility

Yorkshire Water describes its 1.5-mile route as mostly flat, well-surfaced and around two metres wide, with no steps, stiles or gates. The route is out and back; check current path conditions and access information.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Reservoir