I was recently asked by Yorkshire Water if we would like to take a trip around one of their reservoirs in the region. We are always looking for new places to go and explore so took them up on their challenge!
On Saturday the weather was fine so we set off to explore Tophill Low Nature Reserve near Driffield.
We had put the address into our Satnav and, once off the main road, it was about a 5 mile drive down some country roads before we came across the reservoir. Although it was signposted from the main road, unless you knew it was there, you wouldn't find it - it is very secluded! Big Mr A commented that it would be the perfect place to head if there was a zombie apocalypse (he's watched too much of The Walking Dead!).
Anyway, back in the real world, we parked up in the ample car park and paid the small fee that it is to walk around (£3.50 per adult and £1.50 per child over 5). Make sure you take the right amount of change with you as it is a car parking type machine where you pay and then you receive your ticket to take around with you just in case you are asked to show it.
Next to the pay machine you can pick up a free map which shows you the different areas of the reserve and whereabouts the hides are.
Wellies were put on and off we headed! The first part of the reserve is an open pathway around the reservoir. You aren't allowed to look over the walls and have to wait until you get to the hides to look over and see the birds in the reservoir. There are plenty along the way though so this is not a problem.
We went into the first hide and had a look out over the reservoir. I would definitely recommend taking some binoculars as it is difficult to see much without. The Little A's soon wanted to head off and onto explore the next part of the walk.
We headed off down the woodland path where everyone decided it would be a good idea to see who could find the biggest stick (yes, even Big Mr A joined in!). Sticks in hand we carried on walking and came across a squirrel.
Once out of the woodland path you go into a marshy area of the reserve. Here there are ponds to look at and more hides to get a different view over the reservoir.
By this point Little Miss A was getting a little tired of walking, however, a quick look at the map and we saw we were just over half way around so decided to keep walking back to the car park rather than turning back on ourselves.
The reserve is extremely accessible and you could easily take a pushchair around the entire walk without any bother. Even after the bad weather we had last week, there was little mud around, although I am glad we took our wellies as even a little bit of mud, the Little A's manage to find it!
There are picnic benches on the edge of the car park, just before you head into the reserve along with very clean facilities. There are also a few benches around the reserve for you to take a break, although it is really not that far to walk around - probably around 2-3 miles all in all.
We had a lovely walk around and would definitely go back with a picnic in the summer.
Before Yorkshire Water contacted me I didn't realise they opened up their reservoirs to the public and had no idea about their Blueprint for Yorkshire programme.
Yorkshire Water is one of the country's largest landowners and they work closely with numerous tenants to capture rainwater in the best way, the minute it falls from the sky, so that they can deliver the highest quality water possible to their consumers.
Rather than keeping their land and structural features (such as reservoir walls) under lock and key, Yorkshire Water open up their sites for anyone to enjoy. Most of their sites have free parking and free entry so you can enjoy their idyllic walking routes without spending a penny!
Yorkshire Water make sure the precious resource of water is looked after from the catchment areas for drinking water to the safe removal of waste water from source to sea! Allowing the general public to experience and enjoy the beauty of these environments empowers them also to take care of their little part of the World; playing their part in the Blueprint for Yorkshire.
So, if you live in Yorkshire, I highly recommend you take a look to see if there are any sites near you to explore - you might just be surprised at what you find!
You can keep up to date with all of the latest news from Yorkshire Water on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
We were provided with a camera by Yorkshire Water for visiting Tophill Low and will be reimbursed our entry fees. All opinions are honest and my own and all photographs were taken by me and are not to be used without my permission.
Stay at Home Mum to two children - Little Mr A born in 2008 and Little Miss A born in 2012. Blogging my way through dirty nappies and school runs!
