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Home> Walks> England> Staffordshire> Rudyard Reservoir

Rudyard Reservoir

Recommended by
Our view
"An exploration of the Victorian tourist spot that gave Kipling his name."
Walk directions

From the car park, which is at the far end of a potholed dirt track off Beat Lane, take the left fork underneath the obvious bridge. Follow the wide, gravel bridleway along the shore, with a mini-gauge railway just to the left (see While You’re There). Continue towards the end of the reservoir.

Nearing the end and just after the Lakeside Loop signal box there’s a short track to the right of the main path up to a scenic picnic area. After this cross the dam at the head of the reservoir (a pay telescope gives wider views). Bear right to the visitor centre and toilets.
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Gravel bridleways, footpaths and roads, several stiles
  Landscape  - Lakeside and woodland
  Dog friendliness  - Good, but care should be taken near wildfowl
  Parking  - Car park at northeast corner of reservoir
  Toilets en route  - Opposite visitor centre at reservoir's southwest corner
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire Family friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
Rudyard Reservoir was created in 1800 to provide an adequate water supply to the region’s canals. It wasn’t until the second half of the century, however, that it was commercially exploited as a major tourist attraction, thanks to the fast-growing popularity of boating and picnicking among the...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
★★★★
awardaward
"Quality inn on the edge of the Peak District, great rooms and food..."
  • Rooms 26
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Lift Available
Inn
The Plough Inn
★★★★
award
"Village inn with lots of character...."
  • Rooms 17
Inn
The Lion & Swan
★★★★★
awardaward
"Check out live music and comedy in the cellar bar...."
  • Rooms 21
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Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
This traditional family-owned inn provides individually designed bedrooms, including several modern 'Garden rooms' with hot tubs, some with 4-poster beds. The smart pub-brasserie, with ...
★★★★    Rating
The Plough Inn
In the traditional Cheshire mould of half-brick, half-timber, this rural inn offers modern accommodation and hearty pub food and drink. Public areas include a stylish Orangery with high...
★★★★    Rating
The Lion & Swan
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Ballfields Barn
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Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
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Lane Head Barns
Lane Head Barns includes two luxury self-catering holiday cottages within the courtyard of Lane Head Farm. The two cottages are recently renovated barn conversions and enjoy far reachin...
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Broomfield Barn
Broomfield Barn provides guests with the perfect ingredients for a refreshing countryside retreat. The award-winning, self-catering accommodation is situated in a charming building surr...
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Broomfield Barn
Broomfield Barn provides guests with the perfect ingredients for a refreshing countryside retreat. The award-winning, self-catering accommodation is situated in a charming building surr...
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Places to eat nearby View all
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Old Hall Hotel
The Wheatsheaf
View all
Route details
1hr 45min
Dog-friendly Family-friendly
Difficulty:
Easy

Gradient:
Gentle


Distance:
4.5 miles (7.2kms)

Ascent:
180ft (55m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Staffordshire
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
Find more walks in Staffordshire

Rudyard Reservoir

Recommended by
Our view
"An exploration of the Victorian tourist spot that gave Kipling his name."
Walk details
1hr 45min
Dog friendly Family friendly
Difficulty:
Easy
Gradient:
Gentle
Distance:
4.5 miles (7.2kms)
Ascent:
180ft (55m)
Walk directions

From the car park, which is at the far end of a potholed dirt track off Beat Lane, take the left fork underneath the obvious bridge. Follow the wide, gravel bridleway along the shore, with a mini-gauge railway just to the left (see While You’re There). Continue towards the end of the reservoir.
1 of 5

Nearing the end and just after the Lakeside Loop signal box there’s a short track to the right of the main path up to a scenic picnic area. After this cross the dam at the head of the reservoir (a pay telescope gives wider views). Bear right to the visitor centre and toilets.
2 of 5

From the visitor centre and toilet block head away from the reservoir up the footpath beside some prominent black railings (not the vehicle drive through the wide gate). At the top is a metalled road. Turn left to reach the Hotel Rudyard, otherwise turn right and then fork left at The Crescent, after which the road becomes a gravel track. Where the track veers right, take the narrow footpath straight ahead (avoiding the private road into the caravan park). Just after the brow of the rise is a junction of two paths. Fork right, then go straight ahead along the road. Go downhill and left on a path before a private drive. At the far end turn right onto a road. Continue above the shore until it becomes unsurfaced at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club.
3 of 5

After 400yds (366m) along the wooded path, cross the stile into a clearing with views over the water. The path eases gently uphill to a gate with a chain, which signals your arrival at the vast Victorian pile of Cliffe Park Hall.
4 of 5

Continue past the building and down the gently sloping drive. At the far end turn right onto a small, surfaced road, back towards the reservoir. Go over the stile beside the cattle grid and continue around the end of the reservoir to the car park.
5 of 5
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Gravel bridleways, footpaths and roads, several stiles
  Landscape - Lakeside and woodland
  Dog friendliness - Good, but care should be taken near wildfowl
  Parking - Car park at northeast corner of reservoir
  Toilets en route - Opposite visitor centre at reservoir's southwest corner
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire Family friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
Rudyard Reservoir was created in 1800 to provide an adequate water supply to the region’s canals. It wasn’t until the second half of the century, however, that it was commercially exploited as a major tourist attraction, thanks to the fast-growing popularity of boating and picnicking among the...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Staffordshire
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
★★★★
awardaward
"Quality inn on the edge of the Peak District, great rooms and food..."
  • Rooms 26
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Lift Available
Inn
The Plough Inn
★★★★
award
"Village inn with lots of character...."
  • Rooms 17
Inn
The Lion & Swan
★★★★★
awardaward
"Check out live music and comedy in the cellar bar...."
  • Rooms 21
Nearby places to stay
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
This traditional family-owned inn provides individually designed bedrooms, including several modern 'Garden rooms' with hot tubs, some with 4-poster beds. The smart pub-brasserie, with ...
★★★★    Rating
The Plough Inn
In the traditional Cheshire mould of half-brick, half-timber, this rural inn offers modern accommodation and hearty pub food and drink. Public areas include a stylish Orangery with high...
★★★★    Rating
The Lion & Swan
The Lion and Swan is a combination of heritage and charm combined with modern style. A lovingly restored black and white building that dates back to the 17th century, it has a sympathet...
★★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Lane Head Barns
Lane Head Barns includes two luxury self-catering holiday cottages within the courtyard of Lane Head Farm. The two cottages are recently renovated barn conversions and enjoy far reachin...
★★★★★    Rating
Broomfield Barn
Broomfield Barn provides guests with the perfect ingredients for a refreshing countryside retreat. The award-winning, self-catering accommodation is situated in a charming building surr...
★★★    Rating
Broomfield Barn
Broomfield Barn provides guests with the perfect ingredients for a refreshing countryside retreat. The award-winning, self-catering accommodation is situated in a charming building surr...
★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Old Hall Hotel
The Wheatsheaf
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby