Photos of Longwood Compensation Reservoir
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About
A lovely reservoir tucked away on the edge of Longwood. The fields on the left are popular in the summer with local children in summer, but in the mornings and away from the summer holidays it is beautifully peaceful and calm. It is owned by Yorkshire Water but people have been swimming here for many years with no issues.
Location
Getting there
Park on holmefield road and walk up the track about 100m to the reservoir. You have to duck under a Yorkshire Water gate to do so
Accessibility
You get in by climbing over the dam wall (there are some little ledges on the wall to help this but short legs may struggle!), and then there is a gently sloping paved 'beach' you can change on and enter the water from. It can be a bit slippy underfoot. Entry is on the left of the dam; the outlet (rarely in use) is on the right of the dam so steer clear of this. You can touch the bottom all the way down the left hand bank; the right side is deeper and overgrown with trees.
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Plan your swim
Before you go
- Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
- Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline)
- Stay close to shore until you know the conditions
- Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float
- Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming
Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lake safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.