Knypersley Reservoir Family Walk, Staffordshire – Woodland, Waterfalls & Wildlife

Miles of Memories: Before I got the bright idea to start blogging, we’d already dragged ourselves (and the children, when they arrived) on some pretty memorable walks around the UK. This series is my way of revisiting those adventures –  a chance to share the places we loved, the lessons we learned, and maybe inspire your own family adventures, big or small. Let’s retrace those steps, one memory at a time!

---

2012-2018. When I met my husband, he was living in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent, and I moved in with him. He lived on a quiet estate near the outskirts of the city, and just a short drive from the pretty reservoir of Knypersley. Back then, we didn’t walk like we do now. But we did do your average dog walking with our two Jack Russels, and later, our little lads. Knypersley was one of two places we regularly walked, and it was definitely the most picturesque. From the spring bluebells, to the gushing waterfall, and the interesting little buildings, it was always a pleasant walk. I do miss the walk, but I don’t miss the parking!

We nearly always walked the same route, around the outside of the entire reservoir, with a deviation to visit the waterfall. This was a favourite spot of mine for photos, and a favourite spot for the dogs and boys for paddling! Whether it was cold and they were in wellies, or it was warm and shoes were off, it was a lovely break halfway round for a bit of fun! I was hoping to insert some of my many waterfall photos here, but I cannot find any bar this poor quality one I shared on Facebook! Well, now I will have to go back!

On the odd occasion, we’d walk across the centre of the reservoir, it was nearly always full, but I do remember one year (September 2019) when it dropped so incredibly low. I’ve never seen it this low before or since.

There are lots of little “fishing nooks”, and when they’re not being fished in, they make wonderful little picnic (and photo!) spots.

On our last walk here, in 2019, the car park was full, but I was vaguely aware of an ‘overflow’ car park, so I headed back up the road to find it. It turned out to be bigger and actually a much better place to park. It had a lovely play park and picnic benches. I also recall toilets and a visitor centre, though it was shut when we went.

Parking here meant a slightly longer walk to the reservoir, although this wasn’t an issue for us and added to the adventure! Walking this way meant we saw some fantastic new sights, such as this cute little grotto…

…and this lovely little arch.

It was a hugely exciting change of scenery for my little boys, and I was a little sad I’d not discovered this sooner! (Yes, they were little boys back on our last walk here. Looking back through these photos reminds me how much they’ve grown up – happens far too fast!) We discovered some lovely new views too, lots of different things to see, and it was a bonus ending back in a car park with a play area and a picnic area, as the boys always seem to have an abundance of energy to burn off, and they could refuel somewhere nice too.

It’s a highly recommended walk for all family members. For pushchair users, there are a series of hardcore routes, and for all ages there are lots of interesting things to see and do – there is also a lovely grass area between the main car park and reservoir that’s always filled with various ducks and other birds, and we often saw people feeding them all! There are many sections for wading, either at the waterfall or in lower banked areas around the edges of the reservoir too, if you fancy it. If you find yourself in the area, do go for a walk here, you will love it! I know writing this has made me want to get back there!

Have you been, or will you visit now?