A walk closely following the banks of Yorkshire Water's Damflask Reservoir on the north eastern edge of the Peak District. At the beginning of the route there is a tactile map of the reservoir, which helps with orientation and way-finding. The route was travelled in an anti-clockwise direction. This route is 3.5 miles. The walk, on two occasions, changes onto quiet country roads (one section with pavement, one without), but otherwise is confined to a good firm, crushed limestone surface generally over 2 meters wide. Much of the route is lightly wooded but there are also fine views in one direction towards Bradfield Dale and in the other towards Sheffield. Much of the route is level, but there are some gradients steeper than 1:8 - see the tactile map at the New Road entrance, for the level path option.

Surveyed by: Phil Chambers, June 2015 (Summer)
Accessibility Rating: 3
Distance: 5.4 km

Full Profile

Start point, entrance gap from pavement onto waterside path. Roadside parking and bus stop here.

Tactile map helps orientation and navigation and also shows level access linear route

Route begins with flat path, more than 2 metres wide.

Surface is good. Hard, crushed limestone.

1st bench is a 250 metres into route.

Good wide level surface

Long, steady rise to first gate. Not steeper than 1:20 gradient.

Route joins pavement of New Rd (B6076)

Path continues alongside road, on wide pavement

Automated machine for purchase of tickets for fishing.

Path crosses dam wall, consistently flat with fine views

Excellent views from dam wall towards Bradfield.

One of several bus stops on the route that are served by the 61/62 services from Hillsborough Interchange.

Route returns to waterside path through gap in wall, at least 1.2 metres wide.

Information board detailing the history of Damflask village, formerly standing on the site of the current reservoir.

Immediate downward gradient of 1:6, but with good quality path

Slight downward gradient at 1:22

Short (5m) upward gradient at 1:6

Route levels out on approach to sailing launch and clubhouse. Bench situated off main path.

Damflask boating clubhouse. Several benches on concrete porch with shelter.

Two short gradients creating peak in path immediately after clubhouse 1:10 rise and 1:22 drop.

Stone carving, beside path - see sailing features

Bench with shelter.

Regular seating on this stretch

Route undulates along this section, steepest section 1:11, mildest 1:25.

One of many benches situated along this section.

Beautiful views across reservoir all along this section.

Some steeper sections over 10 metres; 1:6 gradient.

Bridge. Gradient 1:12 rise across bridge and beyond.

Regular seats. Exposed tree roots at base of bench.

Path gradually descends between two bridges.

Second bridge; level access

Route rises sharply at 1:6 gradient immediately after bridge for 15 metres.

Extended, 20 metre rise at 1:11 gradient.

Welcome bench amid the most difficult section of the route. Surface is consistently excellent throughout.

Steep 1:8 gradient rising to the gate and road.

Wide exit onto road, with accompanying information boards.

Lamb Hill. Wide, well surfaced open road; no pavement. Take extra care.

Historic stone horse trough, filled by natural spring running towards reservoir.

Take a left turn across School Bridge.

Take first left after bridge to rejoin waterside path.

1:8 gradient descent immediately after rejoining path.

Steady 1:24 gradient rise over 20 metres.

1:7 gradient rising.

1:14 gradient descending.

Benches at periodic distance along path

Path continues for 200 metres with only slight gradients and excellent surface.

Seat situated off path on side of reservoir.

First of three parallel paths that lead off the main route up to road, very steep 1:6 gradient.

Path flat through wooded area.

Bench positioned next to the path

Route leading up to steps, steep gradient 1:6.

Short flight of steps leads to road; does not interfere with route. Very gentle gradient after steps: 1:35>40.

At bench concrete path leads off main route and descends to accessible fishing platform; gradient 1:15.

Accessible viewpoint and fishing platform

Accessible fishing platforms; three available depending on water levels.

Path beyond turning for fishing platform.

Path describes even and flat route back to beginning, no gradients or obstacles.