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Dale Dike Reservoir

3.73 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This pretty reservoir near Sheffield has waterside paths to follow around the perimeter. There is also the opportunity to climb into the woodlands and countryside around the reservoir.
The circuit runs for about 4 miles through Bradfield Dale and along the adjacent Strines Reservoir.
Dale Dike is part of series of reservoirs in the area. You can also visit Damflask Reservoir and Agden Reservoir for more good walking trails and beautiful Peak District scenery.
You can also climb west to Derwent Edge and Back Tor for great views back down to the surrounding reservoirs.

Dale Dike Reservoir OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Dale Dike Reservoir Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a couple of very nice pubs located in the nearby villages of High and Low Bradfield, just to the east of the reservoir. The Old Horns Inn is a traditional English pub set in the incredible Bradfield countryside. Located in an enviable position with views over the Bradfield Moors and next to St. Nicholas' church, the Old Horns is established as one of the best pubs in England, having won a number of Thwaites Awards including ‘Pub of the Year’ and ‘Best Food.’  There's also a fantastic outdoor terrace and beer garden to relax in on warmer days. The pub is very walker and dog friendly and can be found just to the east of the reservoir on Towngate, with a postcode of S6 6LG for your sat navs.
The Plough Inn is another fine option. There's an open fire, with a large beer garden and a great menu. It's located close to the village green, with a picturesque stream, picnic area and fantastic cricket pitch. You can find it at Low Bradfield with a postcode of S6 6HW.

Dog Walking

The reservoir and surrounding woods are a nice place for a dog walk. The Old Horns pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The circular Bradfield Walk starts from nearby High Bradfield and visits several of the reservoirs in the area including Dale Dike. The 7 mile hike is a nice way of taking in all the bodies of water and the pretty Bradfield Dale.
The Sheffield Country Walk also passes just to the south of the site. The long distance circular trail is a great way of seeing some of the scenic highlights surrounding the city.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Yorkshire Walks and Peak District Walks pages.

Photos

View from Thornseat Lodge across Dale Dike Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 987697

View from Thornseat Lodge across Dale Dike Reservoir. Andrew Wood Tree Plantation and Loftshaw Workings can be seen in the distance

Dale Dike reservoir dam - geograph.org.uk - 1063108

Dale Dike reservoir dam

View towards Dale Dyke Reservoir from the south west. - geograph.org.uk - 1743851

View towards Dale Dike Reservoir from the south west. The source of the fatal Sheffield Flood of 1864.

Dale Dyke Memorial plaque - geograph.org.uk - 958479

Plaque in memory of the flood disaster victims of 1864. The original reservoir embankment collapsed flooding the Loxley and Don Valleys.

Pump house - geograph.org.uk - 1341362

Pump house. Controls for the dam at Dale dike reservoir are inside this small building hidden in the woods.

Lichen loves the damp - geograph.org.uk - 1342474

An old barn built of gritstone above Dale Dike reservoir.

Across the fields - geograph.org.uk - 3828637

A view of the countryside and woodlands you can see to the west of the reservoir.

Between Strines and Dale Dyke Reservoirs - geograph.org.uk - 2170586

The view between Strines and Dale Dyke Reservoirs

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Dale Dike Reservoir.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Dale Dike Reservoir.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)