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Langsett Reservoir

Attractions and Places To See around Langsett Reservoir - Top 4

Best attractions and places to see around Langsett Reservoir are located on the northeastern edge of the Peak District National Park. This area features a large supply reservoir, surrounded by woodlands and moorland. It offers a blend of natural landscapes for outdoor activities and historical points of interest, including significant engineering structures and ancient routes. The region provides diverse scenery that changes throughout the seasons.

Best attractions and places to see around Langsett Reservoir

  • The most popular attractions is Langsett Woods, a trail that is suitable for family walks. These woods, originally conifer plantations, are being replaced with broadleaved varieties to create richer wildlife habitats.
  • Another must-see spot is Langsett Reservoir, a lake offering moderate walking loops with views across the water. This large supply reservoir features an impressive dam wall and is a base for exploring longer walks in the Peak District.
  • Visitors also love The Bank View Café, a cafe known for its food and welcoming staff. It is a convenient place to stop for refreshments after a walk or ride.
  • Langsett Reservoir is known for its natural features, historical sites, and walking routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from woodlands and moorland to engineering marvels and ancient pathways.
  • The attractions around Langsett Reservoir are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 245 upvotes and 48 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Langsett Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Langsett Reservoir is a lovely place to walk around and is moderate loop with great views across the reservoir. You can also use this as a base to explore longer walks in the Peak District. There is a free car park with toilets available but this does get quite busy. There is also a nice cafe and pub close to the parking area.

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Langsett Woods

Highlight • Trail

Great for a family walk of all ages

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The Bank View Café

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to stop for a chip butty & a slab of cake after your walk or ride at Langsett barn

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Thickwoods Lane is a bridleway with great views of the Langsett Reservoir. It starts in Upper Midhope (east) and crosses above the reservoir, through Thickwoods, then climbs up onto Hingcliff Common.

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Langsett Permissive Bridleway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Very well-groomed wide trail. It can either be accessed from Midhope Cliff Lane (the dam wall road) or from the car park - if you pick it up from the car park you'll avoid a steep little climb. From the car park onwards it's flat and suitable for all abilities.
It can be joined up with other bridleways to eventually link up to the Transpennine Trail.

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Popular around Langsett Reservoir

Hiking around Langsett Reservoir

Road Cycling Routes around Langsett Reservoir

MTB Trails around Langsett Reservoir

Cycling around Langsett Reservoir

Running Trails around Langsett Reservoir

Gravel biking around Langsett Reservoir

Tips from the Community

Carlos
March 1, 2025, Langsett Woods

Great early morning walk.

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Zena
February 18, 2025, Langsett Reservoir

Langsett Reservoir boasts well-maintained paths suitable for various abilities, making it ideal for walking, cycling, or even a leisurely stroll. The surrounding woodland and moorland offer diverse landscapes, changing beautifully with the seasons. The dam wall itself is an impressive feat of engineering, and walking across it provides great views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

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A great walk. Free parking. Cafe across road and down hill a bit from car park

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Great food, drinks and service. Quite a few vegan options

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Beautiful woodland, popular with dog walkers and cyclists.

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Thickwoods Lane is a bridleway with great views of the Langsett Reservoir. It starts in Upper Midhope (east) and crosses above the reservoir, through Thickwoods, then climbs up onto Hingcliff Common.

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The embankment of Langsett Reservoir is 352m/1, 156ft long and has a depth of 35m/117ft, to the old river bed beneath. When full, the reservoir holds 59 million m3 or 1,409 million gallons of water. The castellated valvehouse at the northern end of the dam wall is supposed to have been modelled on the gatehouse of Lancaster Castle. The reservoir took 14 years to build, between 1889 and 1904. The reservoir is now controlled by Yorkshire Water, and its naturally acidic, brown water is treated at the modern Langsett Treatment Works just below the embankment wall to the right.

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Good cafe to stop at for cyclists

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Langsett Reservoir?

The area offers several historical points of interest. You can visit the impressive Langsett Reservoir Dam Wall, an engineering feat with a castellated valvehouse. Nearby, Langsett Barn, a historic cruck barn from 1621, now serves as a Peak District National Park ranger center. Don't miss the poignant North America Farm Ruins, which were used for target practice during WWII, or the ancient Cut Gate, a re-routed historic right of way.

Are there family-friendly activities and walks near Langsett Reservoir?

Yes, Langsett Reservoir is very family-friendly. Langsett Woods offers great walks suitable for all ages. The Langsett Permissive Bridleway is a well-groomed, wide trail that is flat and suitable for all abilities, including pushchairs, especially when accessed from the car park. There are also easy hiking routes available, such as the 'Langsett Woods – Little Don River Waterfall loop' which is around 4.5 km.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Langsett Reservoir?

The area is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking through Langsett Woods and around Langsett Reservoir, with routes ranging from easy 2.5-mile accessible paths to longer, more challenging hikes. Cycling and horse riding are also popular on the network of bridleways, including the Langsett Permissive Bridleway. For more specific routes, you can explore guides for MTB Trails, Running Trails, and Easy Hikes around the reservoir.

Where can I find refreshments or a meal after exploring Langsett Reservoir?

After your walk or ride, you have a couple of great options. The Bank View Café (also known as Spotty Cafe) is highly recommended for its excellent food, welcoming staff, and cycling-themed decor. Alternatively, The Waggon & Horses Inn, a historic pub in Langsett, offers a traditional place for rest and refreshment.

What are the best viewpoints around Langsett Reservoir?

The Langsett Reservoir itself offers stunning views across the water, especially from the impressive Dam Wall. Higher vantage points on Midhope Moors also provide breathtaking panoramas of the reservoir and the surrounding countryside. The diverse landscapes, particularly when the purple heather is in bloom in late summer, enhance the scenic beauty.

Is Langsett Reservoir accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?

Yes, there are accessible options. The Langsett Permissive Bridleway is described as a very well-groomed, wide, and flat trail suitable for all abilities, including pushchairs, especially when accessed from the car park. The region research also mentions a 2.5-mile accessible walk.

What is the best time of year to visit Langsett Reservoir?

Langsett Reservoir offers diverse scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons. It is particularly stunning in late summer when the purple heather is in bloom across the moorland. However, the well-maintained paths and woodlands provide enjoyable experiences year-round, whether for crisp winter walks or vibrant spring and autumn strolls.

Are there specific trails for mountain biking around Langsett Reservoir?

Yes, there are several mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the 'Langsett Reservoir, Cut Gate and Ladybower Reservoir loop' (difficult, 63.2 km) or the 'Climb from Crookland Wood – North America Farm Ruins loop from Langsett' (moderate, 23.9 km). For a comprehensive list, refer to the MTB Trails around Langsett Reservoir guide.

What wildlife can I expect to see at Langsett Reservoir?

The woodlands around Langsett Reservoir are home to various bird species, including treecreepers, owls, and woodpeckers. Red grouse can also be observed on the moorland. Ponds near Swinden and Brookhouse Bridge attract wildlife such as newts, dragonflies, and frogs, making it a great spot for wildlife watching.

Where can I park when visiting Langsett Reservoir?

There is a free car park available near Langsett Reservoir, which also has public toilets. However, it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. This car park is conveniently located near Langsett Barn and provides easy access to the walking routes.

Are dogs allowed on the trails around Langsett Reservoir?

The area is generally dog-friendly, with many walking routes suitable for dogs. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check for any specific signage regarding dog access on particular trails or within the Peak District National Park.

What is the significance of Langsett Woods?

Langsett Woods were originally conifer plantations established to stabilize the ground and screen the water of the reservoir. Today, many of these conifers are being replaced with broadleaved varieties like birch and oak to create richer and more diverse wildlife habitats, enhancing the ecological value of the area.

Most popular routes around Langsett Reservoir

Family-friendly hikes around Langsett Reservoir

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

BradfieldStocksbridgeEcclesfieldWharncliffe WoodsHowden ReservoirEcclesall Wood

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