Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk

Route Description for Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk

The Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk is a popular route for walkers and outdoor education activities, which might increase foot traffic along the path during peak hours. Make sure to arrive early to secure parking at the trailhead. Additionally, there are a few bits of rocky terrain along the brook that might impede travel for some walkers; however, these are more than manageable if you are cautious. A fair stretch of the northern part of the walk also follows along the A57, making for the least exciting part of the journey until you are able to round the reservoir and get back to more scenic terrain.

Although the route loses a few points for the stretch along the A57, the majority of the trail passes through a breathtaking stretch of forest terrain that you can explore to your heart’s content. Historically, the forests and crags around Wyming Brook were part of the Rivelin Chase hunting grounds that were reserved for the nobility; however, the area is now a protected nature reserve that the public can take full advantage of. Whether you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet along the trails or are after a fun family adventure, The Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk is a perfect option close to Sheffield.

Setting out from the car park, make your way north along the track for 46 m and take the path branching off to the right. From here, follow the trail into the forest and cross over the flowing waters of Wyming Brook before turning left at the first junction in the trail. In 37 m, you will cross the brook once again by means of a bridge before continuing on for 0.8 km through the lush cover of the wood. As you make your way through this serene stretch of woodland trail, you will travel closely along the edge of Wyming Brook, crossing over it several times as it approaches the calm waters of the Rivelin Lower Reservoir.

After making your way down a series of steps, you will come to a kissing gate at the edge of Wyming Brook Drive. Pass through the gate and head to the left, following the track through the beautiful atmosphere of the forest for 1.1 km, where you will come to a bridge over Reddicar Clough. Cross over the bridge and continue along the track for another 0.8 km, enjoying the shade of the tree canopy as the path meanders through the forest and meets up with Rivelin Brook, running alongside it until you arrive at another bridge.
Make your way across the brook and head right at the junction, where you will eventually come to a gate next to a car park. Pass through the gate and make your way east along the A57 for the least scenic and exciting part of the walk, taking in some views of the reservoir and forested backdrop of the surrounding landscape. After 1.4 km of walking along the road, turn right to pass by the old dam house on your left and walk south along the dam wall of the Rivelin Lower Reservoir.

Once you have reached the other side, head to the right and make your way towards a gate along the southern edge of the reservoir. With the Fox Holes Lodge on your left, pass through the gate and continue on for 0.2 km to arrive at a kissing gate on your left. Pass through the gate and follow the same trail through the forest that you initially used to reach the reservoir. After 1.0 km of walking alongside the meandering course of Wyming Brook, you will arrive back at the car park, having completed the Wyming Brook and Rivelin Reservoir Walk.

Trail Highlights

Wyming Brook

The Wyming Brook is a short river near Sheffield that is sourced from the Redmires Reservoir and flows down some fairly steep terrain towards the Rivelin Reservoir. Historically, the area surrounding the brook was a part of the Rivelin Chase hunting and hawking grounds that were utilized by the nobility. In modern times, the area is part of a nature reserve where the public can explore the natural beauty of the serene woodland landscape and spot several species of local birds.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.