South Yorkshire, England, draws in travellers looking for quiet open space, water, and a slower pace just beyond the city. Set on the western edge of Sheffield where the Peak District begins to open out, Redmires Reservoirs is one of those places where history and landscape sit side by side. It works equally well as a gentle walk, a pause on a longer day out, or somewhere to clear your head before heading deeper into the Peaks.
Getting There
Reaching Redmires Reservoirs is straightforward, whether you are arriving by car or using public transport. If you are driving, head towards Sheffield and continue west in the direction of the Peak District. The route becomes noticeably more scenic as the city begins to fall away and the landscape opens into moorland and water.
For those travelling without a car, regular bus services run from Sheffield city centre and stop near the reservoirs, making it an easy day trip from the city.
Once you arrive, there is car parking nearby, which makes it easy to start walking without much planning or additional route-finding.
Landmarks and Sights
The Reservoirs Themselves
The main focus here is the chain of three reservoirs: Upper, Middle, and Lower Redmires. Built in the 19th century to supply water to Sheffield, they still carry that sense of Victorian engineering practicality. There is something quietly impressive about how functional these structures remain while feeling completely at home in the surrounding landscape.
The still water, stone edges, and open views towards the moors give the area a calm, spacious feel, especially on quieter mornings.
WWI Training Grounds
Close to the reservoirs, you can still find preserved trenches and bunker remains used for military training during the First World War. These features add a more reflective side to the walk and help place the area within a wider historical context beyond its role as a water source.
Stanage Edge
If you want to extend the day, Stanage Edge lies within easy reach and makes a natural next stop. It is a popular route for walkers and climbers, with long open views across the Peak District and Sheffield beyond. The landscape changes noticeably as you move from the reservoir paths to the gritstone edge, which makes the longer walk feel varied rather than repetitive.
Walks and Trails
One of the strengths of Redmires Reservoirs is how accessible the walking routes are. Whether you want a short leg stretch or a longer hike, there is something here that fits.
- Redmires Round Walk: A gentle 3-mile circular route around the reservoirs. This is the easiest option for a slower afternoon walk and suits most abilities.
- WWI Heritage Walk: A route that combines the natural setting with the preserved military training features, ideal if you want more context as you walk.
- Stanage Edge Hike: A longer route for those wanting to head further into the Peak District and spend more time on foot.
Interesting Facts
- Redmires Reservoirs played an important role as a water source during the severe drought of 1864.
- The area supports a variety of birdlife, making it a good spot for quiet bird-watching.
- Nearby traces of ancient settlements, including stone circles and burial mounds, connect the landscape to a much older human history.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
What makes Redmires Reservoirs work so well is the balance between ease and atmosphere. It is close enough to Sheffield to be simple, but once you are there it feels much further removed from the city. For van travellers and slow travellers in particular, it makes a useful stopping point before continuing into the Peak District, or simply a place to spend a quieter day on foot.
Bring walking boots, a camera, and allow yourself time to linger rather than rush through it. This is less about ticking off sights and more about enjoying the feel of the place as it unfolds at walking pace.
Information
Address: Redmires Reservoirs, Redmires Road, Fulwood, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 4QZ
Latitude: 53.3708
Longitude: -1.5749
What3Words: ///laser.drain.nobody
Directions: From Sheffield city centre, head west towards Fulwood and continue along Redmires Road towards the Peak District. The reservoirs are at the western end of the road, just before the moorland begins.
Note: The three reservoirs are Upper, Middle, and Lower Redmires, located on the eastern edge of the Peak District near Sheffield.
