Top 8 Lakes around Harthill
Lakes around Harthill, a village in South Yorkshire, provide diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features a notable reservoir and is conveniently located near several other appealing lakes. These bodies of water offer activities ranging from fishing and water sports to walking and nature observation. The region's lakes cater to various interests, from tranquil strolls to active outdoor pursuits.
Best lakes around Harthill
- The most popular lakes is Mill Pond, an other man-made feature that was originally…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Mill Pond
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Bentley Brook and Upper Pond
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The Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s by Watts, Lowe and Co to supply water for their cotton mill. …
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Carsington Water
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Ring Pond
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Tansley Pond (Middle Pond at Lumsdale)
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Tansley Pond (AKA The Middle Pond at Lumsdale) is a mixed fishery with carp to …
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Tips from the Community
"Spring has arrived – and the sun has melted the ice on the mill pond. Its rays reach to the bottom of the pond – and tickle awake the little water sprite, who has been hibernating with his mermaid parents. And what's the first thing a curious little water sprite does? Spring cleaning with his mother? Repairing the broken roof of the water sprite's house? Wrong! Of course, the little water sprite's first priority is to meet his old friend, Cyprinus the carp... The little water sprite isn't quite as cheeky here as in the 1955 original – but Daniel Napp's little spring story has been enchantingly illustrated. A magical, endearing, and ageless reading experience for children ages 4 and up." The Stiftung Lesen (Reading Foundation) reviews a four-volume sequel to the popular "The Little Water Sprite" by Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), which guides children through the seasons in this children's book series.
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Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of his improvements to Stand Wood. The water continues down through Stand Wood and enters the garden above the Cascade Pond.
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Bentley Brook runs through Lumsdale Valley into the River Derwent. The Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s by Watts, Lowe and Co to supply water for their cotton mill. It has silted up since the dam wall broke in 1947 and is now a designated nature reserve. The Middle Pond was also from the 1780s and was restored in 2014 (funded by the Heritage Lottery) after being dry and overgrown. The Lower Pond was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850.
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The Mill Pond (aka Lower Pond) was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850 to supply a continuous flow of water to power machinery.
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A quaint little pond with a babbling brook feeding into it and numerous cascades nearby. Tansley Pond (AKA The Middle Pond at Lumsdale) is a mixed fishery with carp to 10lb and a good shoal of Chub to 4lb. Perch, Tench, roach, bream, skimmers, gudgeon, crucians, rudd are also in the pond.
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Carsington Water is the ninth largest reservoir in England. When full it can hold 7,800 million gallons of water. The reservoir has good quality tracks around it to enjoy the good views and wildlife.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at Harthill Reservoir?
Harthill Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, with a diverse range of species including carp, bream, roach, perch, and tench. It's also a hub for water sports, hosting the Rotherham Sailing Club for dinghy racing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Open-water swimming is available through organized sessions, and there are pleasant walking paths around the perimeter, ranging from 1 to 3 miles.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities near Harthill?
Yes, several lakes near Harthill offer family-friendly activities. Mill Pond, Whitworth Park Pond, and Bentley Brook and Upper Pond are all noted as family-friendly. Additionally, Rother Valley Country Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a cafe, alongside various water and land activities. Langold Country Park Lake also has a children's water play splash park and traditional playgrounds.
Where can I go for walking and cycling trails around the lakes?
Rother Valley Country Park offers extensive walking and cycling trails, including easy lakeside routes and more challenging sculpture trails. Harthill Reservoir also has walking paths around its perimeter. For more structured routes, you can explore various hiking and running trails in the wider area. Check out the hiking guide or running trails guide for detailed routes.
What historical or natural sites can I explore near the lakes?
Creswell Crags, a short distance from Harthill, is a spectacular limestone gorge and World Heritage Site known for its ancient caves with Ice Age art. Mill Pond has historical significance as a former quarry converted into a reservoir in 1850. Whitworth Park Pond is steeped in Victorian industrial history, and Bentley Brook and Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s to supply a cotton mill and is now a designated nature reserve.
Are there opportunities for fishing at the lakes around Harthill?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Harthill Reservoir is well-known for its extensive fishing, particularly for carp, bream, roach, perch, and tench, with pike fishing also permitted seasonally. Tansley Pond (Middle Pond at Lumsdale) is a mixed fishery with carp, chub, perch, and tench. Langold Lake within Langold Country Park is also a popular fishing spot.
What wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and surrounding woodlands are rich in wildlife. At Harthill Reservoir, you might spot kingfishers, herons, and deer. Rother Valley Country Park is a nature reserve home to over 260 bird species. Creswell Crags offers sightings of water voles, kingfishers, and various bird species. Mill Pond is also noted as a habitat for wildlife.
Which lakes are best for water sports like sailing or kayaking?
Harthill Reservoir hosts the Rotherham Sailing Club and is suitable for dinghy racing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Rother Valley Country Park has a dedicated water sports centre where you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even a cable water ski and aqua park.
Are there any easy walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, Harthill Reservoir has walking paths of 1 to 3 miles. Rother Valley Country Park offers easy lakeside routes. Langold Country Park provides leisurely walks around its two lakes and through woodlands. For more options, consider the easy hikes guide around Harthill.
What are the unique features of Creswell Crags?
Creswell Crags is a unique limestone gorge featuring a lake and ancient caves that housed early humans and Neanderthals over 10,000 years ago. It's a World Heritage Site and contains Britain's only known Ice Age cave art. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and explore walking trails through the gorge.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, both Rother Valley Country Park and Creswell Crags have cafes on-site. Langold Country Park also features a cafe, providing convenient options for refreshments during your visit.
What is special about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6485483" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tansley Pond (Middle Pond at Lumsdale)</a>?
Tansley Pond is a quaint natural pond with a babbling brook feeding into it and numerous nearby cascades. It is known as a mixed fishery, offering various species including carp, chub, perch, and tench.
Are there any specific walking routes around Harthill Ponds?
Yes, there are local walking routes that encompass the ponds directly adjacent to Harthill village. You can find a detailed guide to these routes, including Harthill Ponds, on the Harthill with Woodall Parish Council website: Harthill Ponds Walk.
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