More about Worsbrough Country Park

About the Country Park

The Country Park covers over 240 acres and holds local nature reserve status, it incorporates a 17th Century working water powered corn mill and a 40 acre reservoir which is open to anglers and birdwatchers. The Country Park has well maintained footpaths that meander through Willow Carr and around the whole circumference of the reservoir passing meadowlands that are rich in wild flowers and where industrial heritage sites have now given over to nature.

The Reservoir

The reservoir was built to supply water to the Worsbrough branch of the Dearne and Dove Canal and it was completed in 1804. It was enlarged in 1826, when the depth was increased by about 1.5 metres. This gave an extra 20 acres of surface water.
2 new spillways were installed in 1984 to comply with the Reservoirs Safety Act.

The Canal

The Worsbrough section of the Dearne and Dove Canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament in June 1793. It took eleven years to build and it linked Worsbrough to the seaport of Goole. It was 2.5 miles long and there was a flight of 7 locks at Aldham, where it joined the Barnsley to Swinton Canal.

In 1810 over 2000 boats used the Canal to carry goods to and from the many industries that sprang up along side it. Colleries, coke ovens, foundries, glass works, chemical work and lime kilms were among those industries. The Canal was affected by mining subsidence and was closed for 6 months in 1884 for repairs. Due to the subsidence and the arrival of the railways it closed to traffic in 1906 and was abandoned in 1961.

Part of the Canal that remains can be seen across the road from the main car park.

Rockley Weir

When the reservoir was built the Canal company who constructed it could only take surplus or flood water from Brough Green Brook and Rockley Dike for the reservoir. A weir on Brough Green Brooke diverted water along a channel for half a mile to Rockley Weir. From here it is diverted into the Mill Headrace and down to the Mill Pond.

Due to subsidence the channel from Brough Green Brooke no longer functions, but can still be seen as a ditch running beside the path at the back of the reservoir. Rockley Weir is still the main source of water for the Corn Mill.

Tramways

After the Canal was opened in 1804, landowners were authoriesd to construct railways to the local colleries. The tramway which runs at the side of the mill, up the south side of the reservoir was probably opened in 1821 to serve Stoney Royd, Ratten Row and Top Pit. In 1832 it also carried coal and iron from Pilley Hills Colliery and Ironstone Works.

Several stone blocks can still be seen in the path. These blocks housed chairs in which the cast iron rails ran. The trucks which ran on this tramway were pulled by ponies and stationary engines worked the inclines. The ponies were stabled in the buildings in the Mill Yard and the Mill also supplied oats for their feed.

Walking

There are 3 circular walks around the Country Park for varying abilities (walk leaflets are available at the information point within the Mill Shop).

The Fox Walk - approximately 2km (Suitable for Wheelchair Access)
A reasonably walk with a few inclines.

The Badger Walk - approximately 3.5km (Suitable for Wheelchair Access)
A fairly level walk following Worsbrough Reservoir with only a few inclines in places.

The Owl Walk - approximately 5km (Some stiles and uneven surfaces, not suitable for wheelchairs)
A walk incorporating many past industries, but can be muddy in wet weather.

The Trans Pennine Trail runs along the edge of the Country Park, so why not start or finish off your walk with a hot or cold drink, ice cream or chocolate at the Mill Shop.

 

Charges and fees

Car park charges apply - Cars, Mini Buses and Light Vans - £1.00 per hour, £2.00 all day. Coaches - 5 per day.

Season parking tickets available. £25 for six months or £35 for 12 months, this includes both Worsbrough Mill Museum & Country Park and Cannon Hall Museum, Park & Gardens. Please ring 01226 790270 for more details.

Fishing by Day Ticket, available on the day collected by the bank walker. Day ticket - £3.00 adults, £1.50 concession & children under 16 (children under 12 years most be accompanied by an adult) or £25.00 adult for a season ticket, £12.50 concession and children under 16. This season ticket covers fishing at Brampton Canal, Fiskerton section of the River Trent, Smithes Pond, Tinkers Pond, and Worsbrough Reservoir. For further information please contact the Barnsley Amalgamated Angling Association 01226 203090.

Opening times

Open all year with restricted access after 4.30pm.

How to find us

Off junction 36 M1 follow the brown signs.

From Stairfoot Roundabout follow the brown signs and Worsbrough.

From Barnsley follow the signs for Worsbrough A61 
 

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are dogs allowed in the Country Park?
A: Yes dogs are allowed in the country park, but please keep them at a lead around the parks ducks, geese and sheep. Please ensure you clean up after your pet, dog bins are sited around the Country Park.

Q: Are bicycles allowed in the Country Park?
A: Yes, but please don't leave the paths.

Q: Is it suitable for Children?
A: Yes.

Q: Is there wheelchair access?
A: The Country Park has no steps, it has slight inclines and one narrow bridge, but it is accessable to most wheelchair uses.

Q: Can we get there by Bus or Train?
A: Yes, Trains to Barnsley then local bus routes to Worsbrough Bridge.

For further information

For further information or to obtain a leaflet about the site please contact;

Worsbrough Mill Museum and Country Park
Worsbrough Bridge
Barnsley
S70 5LJ

Telephone/Fax: 01226 774527

Email: Worsbrough Mill

 

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Last modified on 23/1/2009