Newmillardam Country Park
Location - Country Park, Newmillerdam, Wakefield, WF2 6PZ - (what3words location)
Distance (around) - 1.5 miles
Accessibility at a glance:
Access: ⭐⭐⭐
Dog friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐
Facilities: ⭐⭐
Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
More in depth:
Parking and entrance:
Pay & Display car park
Blue Badge holders exempt from pay.
A small number of disabled bays are located near the main path entrance.
Car park often very busy.
Paths and distance:
Central lake loop is approx. 1.5 miles
Step-free and navigable by mobility scooters.
Surface is compacted dust/earth, not tarmac, and can become soft or uneven after wet weather.
Some uneven camber but no inclines.
Facilities
Ice-cream vans at both start/finish points.
Pub at one end of the loop (dog-friendly).
Boat house café appears potentially inaccessible, will review further
Popular dog-walking area.
Newmillardam Country Park is a designated nature reserve brimming with wildlife, from woodland creatures to a wide variety of nesting birds. It offers a maze of trails weaving through the grounds, though not all are suitable for wheels. The good news is that the 1.5-mile route around the central lake is accessible and makes for a lovely, relaxed outing. While some sections have a slight camber, the path is manageable on a mobility scooter, and the entire loop is completely flatwith no inclines to contend with.
The surface is a dust and earth track, which is pleasant in dry weather but can become rutted or muddy after rain. For the smoothest experience, it’s best to plan your visit for a dry day.
The car park is a decent size with Pay & Display facilities, though finding a space can be a challenge, this is a very popular spot. Stick with it; spaces tend to free up regularly as people come and go. Blue Badge holders should be aware that concessions do not apply here, but there are a couple of designated disabled bays near the main entrance to the lakeside path.
Depending on which direction you choose to travel around the lake, you’ll eventually encounter a welcoming pub, the Dam Inn, which is dog-friendly and highly recommended. There’s also an ice-cream van at both the start and end of the walk, perfect for a treat or a reward after your lap around the lake. We often save our visit for the end as a substitute for dessert.
You’ll also pass a small boat house that currently hosts a café, also dog-friendly. Although I haven’t ventured inside yet, it does not appear to be fully accessible, so a future investigation (purely for research!) may be needed.
Dogs love this walk, and you’ll meet plenty along the way. Do keep an eye on nesting birds in the spring/summer, and the dam can ice over dangerously in winter. There is a designated section halfway around where dogs are allowed into the water, as this area is free from nesting birds. Betty hasn’t quite mustered the courage to try it yet, aside from one accidental swim!
Newmillardam Country Park offers a delightful and accessible loop with beautiful lakeside views and plenty of opportunities for photography. It’s a welcoming spot for both people and dogs, with refreshments close at hand and a calm, scenic atmosphere. Whether you’re riding, walking, or rolling, it’s well worth the visit.
Tip - patience is needed for parking.
