Top 13 Lakes around Walton
Best lakes around Walton are situated in a region featuring a mix of natural lakes, reservoirs, and country parks, often with historical industrial connections. This area provides diverse landscapes, from tranquil lake shores to sites repurposed for recreation and nature conservation. Visitors can explore various aquatic environments, including former mill ponds and reservoirs. The lakes offer opportunities for walking, family activities, and observing local wildlife within accessible natural settings.
Best lakes around Walton
- The most popular lakes is Cold Hiendley Reservoir, a lake that offers very nice views. Swans are often seen around this area.
- Another must-see spot is Newmillerdam Lake, a natural monument with a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It is a popular place for short walks and family visits.
- Visitors also love Pugneys Country Park Lake, a facilities area developed from a former opencast mine and quarry. It is a Local Nature Reserve with a cafe on site.
- Walton is known for natural lakes, reservoirs, and country park lakes. These water bodies provide varied environments for outdoor activities and nature observation.
- The lakes around Walton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 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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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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Anglers Country Park Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Cafe and toilets here as well as parking and children’s play area
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I expect this was for charity but there a lots of them loose from Jurassic Park lol
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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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Nice walk to take younger kids on, especially if they like Room on the Broom as there are wood carvings of characters from the book that tell the story as you go around the lake.
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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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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 Walton offer accessible paths for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
For accessible paths, Newmillerdam Lake is an excellent choice. It features a well-surfaced path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it popular for short walks and family visits. Disabled parking spots and wide entrances ensure easy access.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Walton with amenities?
Yes, Pugneys Country Park Lake is very family-friendly. It's a Local Nature Reserve developed from a former opencast mine and quarry, offering a cafe and toilets on site. It's a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors.
Where can I go for open water swimming near Walton?
Ardsley Reservoir is a popular spot for open water swimming and other water sports, located just to the east of Leeds. It's also a lovely place for a wander with plenty of dog walkers.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes around Walton?
You can observe diverse wildlife at several lakes. For instance, Cold Hiendley Reservoir is known for its swans. At Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve, you'll find a rich natural environment, including forest and lake habitats. Walton Lake in Milton Keynes (UK) is a wetland habitat with a boardwalk and bird hide, ideal for spotting species like Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings, and even grass snakes.
Are there hiking opportunities near the lakes around Walton?
Absolutely. There are several hiking routes that incorporate the local lakes. For example, you can explore the 'Haw Park Wood – Anglers Country Park Lake loop' or the 'Newmillerdam Lake – Cold Hiendley Reservoir loop'. Find more hiking options in the Hiking around Walton guide.
Can I go cycling around the lakes in Walton?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Routes like the 'Haw Park Woods – Newmillerdam Woods Trail loop' offer scenic rides. For more cycling adventures, check out the Cycling around Walton guide, which includes routes for touring bicycles, and the Road Cycling Routes around Walton guide for road biking options.
Which lakes offer good viewpoints for scenic photography?
Cold Hiendley Reservoir is highly regarded for its very nice views. Newmillerdam Lake also provides picturesque settings for photography, especially with its well-maintained paths and natural surroundings.
Are there any lakes near Walton with historical significance?
Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve has a rich history, once being part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery. You can still see the foundations of its pumping engine and an embankment from a colliery railway. The area's transformation from industrial site to nature reserve is quite notable.
What are the options for dog-friendly walks around Walton's lakes?
Ardsley Reservoir is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering a lovely loop to wander around. Many of the trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, but always check local signage for specific restrictions.
What makes the lakes around Walton unique compared to other regions?
The lakes around Walton, particularly in the UK context, are often a mix of natural lakes, reservoirs, and country park lakes, many with historical industrial connections. This provides diverse landscapes, from tranquil shores to sites repurposed for recreation and nature conservation, offering unique environments for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Are there any lakes with cafes or facilities for visitors?
Yes, Pugneys Country Park Lake has a cafe on site, which is open from 10 am to 3 pm, along with public toilets. This makes it a convenient stop for refreshments during your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Walton?
The lakes around Walton can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for activities like paddling and walking. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides tranquil, often frosty, landscapes for peaceful walks. Always check the local weather forecast before your visit.
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