Wormleighton Reservoir Walk
This walk takes you to Wormleighton Reservoir from the Warwickshire village of Wormleighton.
The walk starts in the village and follows the Oxford Canal Walk to the reservoir.
The route meanders alongside the waterway where narrowboats glide by and stone bridges arch gracefully over the canal, offering a glimpse into the timeless charm of England’s inland waterways. The village of Wormleighton, with its traditional cottages and small-scale farmland, exudes a quiet, rural atmosphere that hints at centuries of local history and agricultural heritage. As you follow the canal towpath, you enjoy unobstructed views of the gently rolling countryside and the occasional burst of canal-side greenery that brings the landscape to life.
Arriving at Wormleighton Reservoir, you find a tranquil setting where the mirror-like surface of the water reflects the sky and surrounding fields. The reservoir, an integral part of the local landscape, not only serves as a recreational haven for walkers and birdwatchers but also plays a role in water management and conservation in the area. Its banks are lined with a mixture of open grassy verges and clumps of mature trees, creating a serene environment that invites quiet reflection and offers a refreshing contrast to the quaint village scene. The reservoir’s peaceful ambiance, coupled with its scenic vistas, makes it a well-loved destination for those seeking to experience the best of Warwickshire’s rural beauty.
The reservoir is the start point for the long distance Darcy Dalton Way so it's easy to continue your walk.
Wormleighton Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Wormleighton Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Wormleighton Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Wormleighton Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Wormleighton Reservoir. Throughout the walk, the natural environment is a delight for flora and fauna enthusiasts. The canal banks burst into life during the spring and summer months with wildflowers such as bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic adding vibrant splashes of colour, while the mature trees along the path provide shelter for an array of woodland birds. Kingfishers and herons can often be seen near the water’s edge, their flashes of colour and graceful movements a treat for the eyes. The reservoir itself supports a rich aquatic ecosystem that attracts waterfowl and other bird species, and small mammals like hedgehogs and foxes may be spotted in the nearby hedgerows and fields. This harmonious blend of natural beauty and wildlife makes the journey not only a cultural exploration but also a refreshing immersion in nature.
The Oxford Canal at Wormleighton Hill
Wormleighton Lower End. Some of the cottages and estate houses in the lane beyond the church. The small village is set atop Wormleighton Hill with commanding views over the River Cherwell. According to the 2011 census, its population stood at 183. The original settlement was once situated along the river’s banks and can still be traced in the undulating landscape on the east side of the Oxford Canal. Today, the current village occupies the hill’s crest, and one of its notable landmarks is St Peter’s Church. This church features a Norman tower and nave with later Gothic additions constructed from local ironstone. Inside, one may find original box pews, a Norman font and an intriguing tomb of Robert Spencer – which records his death date in 1610 using both the Gregorian and Julian calendars. A footpath leads from the church to the ruins of the old 16th‑century manor house, Wormleighton Manor, where one first encounters an impressive chimney, followed by remnants of a great hall partly in stone and partly in brick. The manor’s gatehouse, dating from the Jacobean period with an inscription from 1613, serves as a reminder of the village’s historic past. The manor house itself was deliberately slighted by Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War, leading to its abandonment; the village was later re-established in the 19th century, and today a number of Arts and Crafts style buildings and thatched cottages can be found in the area.
Oxford Canal: Reach in Wormleighton