Sywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit
Northamptonshire
Sywell Country Park is built around a reservoir that supplied drinking water to Higham Ferrers and Rushden from 1906 until 1979, and its Edwardian waterworks buildings still stand. North Northamptonshire Council runs the 28 hectare site as a country park, setting aside areas where a dog can be off the lead, with lakeside and meadow trails, a small arboretum of exotic trees and a short red heritage trail explaining how the waterworks operated. This walk follows the blue trail for the full 4km circuit of the reservoir, through grassland and trees along the shore and back past the waterworks buildings. It is almost level, but the far side is unsurfaced and the council suggests wellies or walking boots, as it can be muddy.
This is a dog friendly park, and the council sets aside areas where dogs are allowed off the lead under control, so there is real space for a dog to run on the meadows and lakeside paths. There is no livestock. The reservoir is one of the best known tench fisheries in the country, so there are anglers around the banks: keep your dog clear of pegs and lines, and away from the water. Dogs are not allowed in the play area. Parking is pay and display in the top and main car parks, and the Pump House Cafe and toilets are next to the play area by the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Pump House Cafe, toilets, visitor centre and play area by the main car park.
- Parking
- Top and main car parks, North Northamptonshire Council, pay and display (coin, card or PayByPhone); gates locked overnight at weekends.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Sywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in NorthamptonshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit dog friendly?
Yes, Sywell Country Park is a welcoming spot for dogs and earns a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 4km blue trail around the reservoir passes through grassland, lakeside paths and a small arboretum, and there is no livestock on the site. The Pump House Cafe is right by the car park if you fancy a break after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Sywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit?
North Northamptonshire Council designates areas within the park where dogs are allowed off lead under control, so there is genuine room for your dog to stretch their legs across the meadows and along the lakeside paths. It is worth noting that dogs are not permitted in the play area, so keep that in mind when planning your route.
What should I know before visiting Sywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit with my dog?
The reservoir is one of the best-known tench fisheries in the country, so you will likely encounter anglers along the banks — keep your dog clear of pegs and fishing lines, and away from the water's edge. The far side of the circuit is unsurfaced and can get muddy, so the council recommends wellies or walking boots. Parking is pay and display in the top and main car parks, and if you are visiting at the weekend, be aware that the gates are locked overnight.
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Sywell Country Park car park, Washbrook Lane, Ecton, Northampton NN6 0QX
52.2771, -0.7791
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