The circuit walk around Damflask reservoir is only 3 miles (5 Kilometres) around, so this is an easy route for anyone to complete and enjoy. It is a very well-maintained pathway all around, making it is accessible to all and of course if you wanted to run the route it’s great for doing circuits.
On our visit, we spotted a gentleman doing circuits on his bike whilst listening to his music, this made me laugh at first as I couldn’t figure out why I was hearing ABBA’s “Mama Mia” whilst I admired the views, “Mamma mia, here I go again, my my, how can I resist you?” can you imagine, then along came the chap on his bike as the music gets clearer. Mystery solved. Hehe!
Walking the circuit
Find yourself a place to park along the roadside and the public footpaths to the reservoir from the road are well signposted.
The circuit around is very accessible and flat, some parts are on a roadside path so dogs will need to be on leads for these stretches of route and care taken with children.
Quite soon the trail follows the shoreline again. It is a very simple trail around the reservoir and total length of the circuit is only three miles, (five kilometres.) A small reservoir by most standards and a very easy walking trail.
Location and parking
Damflask reservoir is in the Loxley valley near Low Bradfield village, roughly 5 miles (8 Kilometres) West of the centre of Sheffield in South Yorkshire and it is named after the village of Damflask which was completely washed away in the great Sheffield flood 11 March 1864.
The village once stood near the current dam wall. The village was never rebuilt due to plans already being drawn up to build the reservoir which you see now.
Using satnav or Google Maps etc you can find Loxley Reservoir by using this postcode at S6 6SQ. There is no public car park, but it is possible to park on the roadside.
Rowing clubs
The reservoir is used by three rowing clubs, the city of Sheffield rowing club, Sheffield university rowing club and Sheffield Hallam university rowing club, as well as Sheffield Viking sailing club.
Damflask is also open to anglers all year round too. It’s very relaxing to sit and watch the sailing boats sail by on a beautiful day, we even dipped our toes in for a little paddle. No need to rush, no hassle.
Such a tranquil scene, rich blue skies and scattered clouds reflected in the calm waters of the reservoir with passing sail boats and all encapsulated by trees.
I feel this is a place of beauty that anyone can enjoy by foot, by cycle and is easy access for wheelchair users or with pushchairs.
Conclusion
Whilst strolling the circuit around the trail I spotted a lovely little vole by the tree line, I also saw a couple of cheeky donkeys as I peeked through a hole in a stone wall and countless hedgerow birds on the way round, plus the usual ducks on the water. An area full of wildlife and surprises that we stumbled upon quite randomly and without a doubt will be returning to for another day out, perhaps with a packed lunch and a bag of grain for the ducks. A good all-round route with great access and gorgeous views.
