One of our favourite types of family outings is a good reservoir walk—easy-going, scenic, and just the right distance to tire out the kids without them realising they’re exercising! This past weekend in March, with the first real hints of spring sunshine, we headed to Ingbirchworth Reservoir with some friends (who also have two kids, aged 9 and 6) for a relaxed wander.If you’ve read our Scout Dike Reservoir review, you’ll know that Ingbirchworth is part of the Three Reservoirs Walk in South Yorkshire, but this time, we focused on Ingirchworth primary reservoir —and it turned out to be a great little adventure for the kids.
Where is Ingbirchworth Reservoir?
Ingbirchworth Reservoir is just west of Barnsley, near the village of Ingbirchworth (postcode S36 7GN). If you’re driving, there’s plenty of free on-street parking along Wellthorne Lane, which is right next to the reservoir path. There’s a new housing estate close by if you are unsure.
What’s the history of Ingbirchworth Reservoir?
Originally built in the 19th century, the reservoir was part of a wider water supply system for local towns. While it’s still an active water source, it’s now also a popular walking spot for families, dog walkers, and those looking for an easy, scenic stroll. Unlike some of the larger reservoirs in Yorkshire, Ingbirchworth has a peaceful, quiet feel, perfect for a slow-paced family walk and is also perfect for children under the age of 10 and is it can be walked quite easily.
What Is There to Do at Ingbirchworth Reservoir?
A family-friendly reservoir walk:
The circular loop is about 1.3 miles, completely manageable for a 4-year-old, and just enough to feel like you’ve been active without needing to carry them home. The path is mostly flat and well-surfaced, though some sections can get muddy after rain.
Nature spotting:
One of the highlights of our visit was finding frogspawn and frogs in a little stream that feeds into the reservoir. Spring is a great time to visit if your kids love spotting wildlife! There’s also plenty of birdlife, so binoculars could come in handy.
Woodland fun:
The far side of the reservoir has a wooded section where all the kids got stuck into some good old-fashioned climbing, hiding, and stick collecting—always a hit!
Simple fun by the water:
No café, no play area, but somehow, throwing sticks into the reservoir never gets old!✔ Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream Parlour nearby – The ultimate kid-friendly incentive. Just a short drive (or a walk if you don’t mind a fast road), Yummy Yorkshire is an absolute must for a post-walk treat. They serve award-winning artisan ice cream, hot waffles, and barista-made coffee for the grown-ups.
Facilities at Ingbirchworth Reservoir
- Parking – Free on-street parking along Wellthorne Lane.
- Play area? – Not on-site, but there is one in the nearby village.
- Café? – No, but Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream Parlour is just down the road.
- Toilets? – No facilities at the reservoir.
- Dogs? – Yes, but they must be on a lead.
Areas for Improvement
While the kids had a brilliant time, it would be great to see a small play area near the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch close to the reservoir. There’s one in the village, but having something closer to the water would make this an even better spot for families. This is nitpicking a little as the kids did have a wonderful time but I do like the connection of a play park with a reservoir walk. This would also serve the new housing development well.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a short, manageable walk that’s great for little legs, Ingbirchworth is a fantastic option. The wooded section, wildlife spotting, and the promise of ice cream make it a winning choice for young families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for pushchairs?
Yes, but we’d recommend an all-terrain pushchair as some sections can get muddy.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Dogs are welcome on a lead.
How long does it take to walk around the reservoir?
About an hour, depending on how many stops you make.
Is there a fee to visit?
No, it’s free to explore.
Can you swim in the reservoir?
No, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect length walk for young children (1.3 miles)
- Lovely mix of open views, water, and woodland
- Great for spotting wildlife
- Easy parking and free to visit
- Close to Yummy Yorkshire for post-walk treats
Cons
- A small play area would be a great addition
- Some muddy sections in wet weather
- No on-site toilets or café
Reservoir enjoyment rating
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.