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Kinder Reservoir

2.2 miles (3.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk takes you to Kinder Reservoir from Hayfield along the Snake Path. The reservoir is very pretty with the backdrop of woodland, fields and Peak District hills.
The walk starts in Hayfield where you will find the Snake Path turning on your left as you leave the village. You then follow it for about 2 miles to the reservoir where there is a footpath along the water. Follow the path up to William Clough for great views over the water.
You could extend the walk and continue up William Clough and then pick up the Pennine Way and follow it to Kinder Scout.
Our circular walk to Kinder Downfall also passes the reservoir. It will take you to the tallest waterfall in the Peak District from Hayfield.

Postcode

SK22 2LJ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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

Kinder Reservoir Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

After your walk we recommend heading to the appropriately named Lantern Pike Inn in Hayfield. The interesting old pub dates from 1792, and has a very good menu. There's also a nice outdoor seating area where you can relax outside and enjoy views of the surrounding hills. You can find the pub in the village on 45 Glossop Rd, Little Hayfield with postcode SK222NG for your sat navs. The pub also does accommodation so you can stay over here if you need to.

Dog Walking

The walk up to the reservoir is great for dogs and there's also some nice pockets of woodland nearby. The Lantern Pike Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

In Hayfield you could pick up the popular Sett Valley Trail. The shared cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line to New Mills. On the way there's bluebell woods, another small reservoir and a delightful little cafe to stop off at.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Peak District Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Kinder Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 18162

Looking south to the reservoir, most of which is in the grid square.

Intake, Kinder Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 225921

Intake, Kinder Reservoir. Stone-built inspection chamber in the western corner of the Reservoir. The initials of the Stockport Corporation Water Works are carved in stone over the door.

William Clough arm of Kinder Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 222396

William Clough arm of Kinder Reservoir. Water levels were low at the time, exposing evidence of previous water levels.

Climbing up to Kinder Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 301522

A mountain biker climbs up to the reservoir. They are seen here ascending the steep bridleway towards the northern end of Kinder Reservoir dam. This bridleway forms part of a great moorland crossing between Oaken Clough and the A624 Snake Pass road.

Looking to the east arm of Kinder Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 712619

Looking to the east arm of the Reservoir. From below White Brow, the skyline is Kinder Scout with the Pennine Way on the edge.

Kinder Reservoir Water Outlet - geograph.org.uk - 1536351

Water Outlet. The Reservoir is fed by the River Kinder flowing down from Kinder Scout. It was built in 1911.

GPS Files

GPX File

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

Memory Map Route

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