Newmillardam Country Park
Location - Country Park, Newmillerdam, Wakefield, WF2 6PZ
Distance (around) - 1.5 miles
Terrain - Flat, path is an even 'dirt' path
Points to note -
Blue badge holders are not exempt from parking charges
Accessible toilet (charge applies)
Pub is dog friendly (see Dam Inn)
Newmillardam Country Park is a designated nature reserve, with lots of wildlife including nesting birds. It has a warren of pathways within the grounds, but these are not all accessible, however the path around the central lake is 1.5 miles and accessible, albeit there is an uneven camber in places, the scooter is easily driven round and there are no inclines throughout the whole walk. The ground is a dust path, rather than a solid tarmac and as such can be affected by the adverse weather, and so choosing a dryer day may be the most appropriate time to visit.
There is a decent sized carpark, with Pay and Display facilities, although finding spaces is terrible and it is often very busy, but persevere as it is worth it and people come and go often, vacating spaces on a regular basis. Blue Badges holders are not exempt from the parking charges, and there are a couple of disabled bays just by the entrance to the pathway. Depending on your direction around there is a pub at the end of the walk, which is dog friendly and I can highly recommend (see Dam Inn). There is also a much welcome ice cream van at both start and finish points, so you’re spoilt for choice, we often go at the end of our walk, as a substitute for dessert! At some point during the walk (again, direction dependent it can be near the beginning or the end) and there is also a little boat house, which currently houses a café…also dog friendly. Although I haven’t been in, yet, it doesn’t appear accessible…a visit maybe needed and a review written…for research purposes of course.
Care will need to be taken with dogs in both summer and winter months, summer due to nesting birds and winter due to icing over of the dam; which can be deadly. This is a very popular walk with dogs and you will see a wide variety. Halfway around the dam there is a small section where dogs are allowed in the water, as there are no nesting birds, although Betty is yet to pluck up the courage – that being said, she did go for an accidental swim recently.
It is a delightful ride/walk round, the views of the dam are beautiful and it is very much a camera opportunity, great for dogs and owners alike…topped off with a place to eat which is welcoming for all.
Tip - patience is needed for parking.
