Scout Dike Reservoir Review For Families

One thing we love about the school holidays is the new places we can visit. Whether that’s a significant car journey away or something a little closer to home; there are always new places to experience.

Over the Christmas school holidays, we visited Scout Dike Reservoir, a fantastic spot for introducing young children to the great outdoors. On the day of our visit, the wind levels were INSANE. Given its location in Penistone, it’s a considerable height above sea level so we certainly felt the wind!

Despite the blustery weather, it turned into a memorable trip that both our children, Matilda and Barney, enjoyed. Here’s a breakdown of our experience and everything you need to know before planning your visit.

Where is it located?

Scout Dike Reservoir is located near Penistone in South Yorkshire. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for family outings and beginner-friendly walks.

History Of Scout Dike Reservoir

The reservoir, managed by Yorkshire Water, has served the local community for years. Originally constructed to supply water, it now doubles as a recreational area where families, dog walkers and joggers can utilise. On the day of our visit, there was a mix of users. We witnessed running groups, couples, dog walkers and families all venturing out for a short walk around the reservoir.

What Is There to Do at Scout Dike Reservoir?

• Walking Trails: The circular route around the reservoir is manageable for young children. At about 1.5 miles, it’s short enough to keep little legs moving but still feels like an adventure. Barney our four-year-old managed to largely complete the entire route without any carrying. It’s a flat, even surface so this helped.
• Nature Spotting: With plenty of waterfowl and interesting flora, there’s always something to spot along the way.
• Stick Throwing: Our kids had a blast finding broken branches and tossing them into the reservoir – simple pleasures, but always a hit with young ones!
• Grand Designs construction: Along the route, we came across a half-built house that’s straight out of a Grand Designs episode. It’s an intriguing sight with an interesting backstory (definitely worth a Google!).
• Adjoining reservoirs: As well as Scout Dike you can also access Royd Moor & Ingbirchworth Reservoir within proximity meaning you can extend your walk further should you wish

Facilities at Scout Dike Reservoir

Parking: There’s a car park adjoining the reservoir which is completely free of charge to use. 

No Café or Play Area: Unfortunately, there are no dedicated facilities like a café or playground. Make sure to pack snacks or a picnic to enjoy along the route.

Areas for Improvement

One downside to our visit was the amount of dog mess on the path. It was disappointing and a bit off-putting, especially with kids running around. A little more care from dog walkers would go a long way in making this a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

We obviously notice this in isolation in other places we visit but it felt even more prominent here. I’m not sure whether it’s because it’s isolated so people feel they can get away with it or if it was just an unlucky visiting time. It just made things slightly more tricky as we had to watch where our 4-year-old walked all the time.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! Scout Dike Reservoir is an excellent choice for families with young children who are just starting to enjoy the outdoors. While it’s not a full-day destination due to the lack of facilities, it’s perfect for a short, fun outing that’s easy on little legs.

With our 4-year-old building in walking strength every single outing, it’s one of those we will visit again as the route is more than manageable and it’s one I recommend wanting to introduce their children to the great outdoors from an early age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scout Dike Reservoir suitable for pushchairs?

The path is relatively flat, so it’s suitable for most pushchairs. Just watch out for muddy sections in wet weather and the initial steps down from the car park could be tricky. As a preference, I would recommend a sling but it’s entirely possible; especially if there are two adults to carry the pushchair down the stairs.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are welcome, but owners must keep them under control and clean up after them.

How long does it take to walk around the reservoir?

The circular route takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace and how many sticks your kids throw into the water! With a four-year-old, it took far longer but we weren’t in a rush and really enjoyed taking our time.

Is there a fee to visit?

No, it’s free to explore.

Pros & Cons

Reservoir enjoyment rating

Last Updated on January 23, 2025 by Ryan