Ardsley Reservoir

Also known as Tingley Reservoir, this beautiful 2.5 kilometre flat loop is a runner’s best friend when it comes to finding your rhythm.

Begin in the car park and make a left down towards the reservoir. Approaching you will see a split in the path, take either the left or the right and simply follow the reservoir path to make a single loop. 

At this point you’ll begin to sync in with the beautiful views around the reservoir. And we won’t blame you if you want to stop to really drink it in. Particularly the views looking over Emley Moor and  beyond. 

Want to make your run a little longer?

The Leeds Country Way passes close to the west of the reservoir. This waymarked long distance path is a great way of extending your run further afield.

As tempting as the water may be after you’ve completed sweltering laps of the reservoir, please don’t get in to swim. Swimming is not permitted due to the strong undercurrent.

Positioned 5 miles just outside of Wakefield, Ardsley Reservoir spreads out over 60 acres with water coming from as far afield as Barnsley to keep it topped up. This liquid resource is keeping the people of Wakefield going, and the nearby operations of the Coca-Cola factory.

For more information about Ardsley Reservoir, we would recommend you take a look at Ardsley Reservoir page on Discover Leeds.

Accessibility

The paths have been maintained to a standard that invites a running buggy or wheelchair, but watch out for those big soggy puddles on wet weather days.

Dog Friendly

If you want to run with the pooch on a lead then you’re more than welcome to do that at Ardsley Reservoir.

Toilet

With no toilets on site try to plan your reservoir run around not needing one; if nature calls you can always head to the nearest cafe called Beans and can be found at the top of Haigh Moor Road.

As this spot is popular with all types of visitors – particularly in the summer – be prepared to find the free car park full. If so, try roadside parking on Haigh Moor Road as an alternative.

The Hare and Hounds pub in Tingley is a mile walk away from the car park reservoir. Grub and refreshments are sorted here!