Our favourite Yorkshire reservoir walks

Open skies, winding paths and the still, peaceful waters that shimmer with reflections of passing clouds… There's no denying that Yorkshire's reservoir walks capture a certain contemplative beauty of the region that can't be found elsewhere.

Sure, these manmade lakes had practical beginnings. But today, they offer some of the most peaceful and rewarding rambles to be found in God's Own County.

Fancy a gentle stroll with your four-legged friend? How about a full-day hike across rugged moorland? Look no further – we've compiled a list of reservoir walks to suit every pace.

So, lace up your boots, pack a flask and join us as we take in the magic of Yorkshire's wild water landscapes. (Then take a well-earned break with us at Stump Cross Caverns – we'll be on hand to provide a hearty lunch and a warm welcome!)

1. Grimwith Reservoir

Distance:  4.5 miles

Difficulty:  easy to moderate – mostly well-surfaced with a few unsurfaced or muddy sections
Route type:  circular
Parking:  main car park at Grimwith Reservoir 
Accessibility:  high – no steps or stiles on main route If you only have time for one reservoir walk, make it this one. It's an especially good choice for dog walkers, photographers and anyone who loves that wild, windswept Yorkshire feel.

Just a short distance from Stump Cross Caverns, Grimwith Reservoir sits high in the Nidderdale National Landscape – a harmonious meeting of water, sky and moorland.


The circular route around the reservoir is well-marked and easy to follow. It offers sweeping views across the Dales and glimpses of traditional dry-stone barns that dot the landscape. 

On calm days, the water becomes a perfect mirror for the clouds above. On those more blustery ones, the wind whips across the surface in dramatic waves. Either way, it's breathtaking.

Completed the circuit? Pop by Stump Cross Caverns and visit the Time Cafe for a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a slice of homemade cake. You've earned it.

2. Thruscross Reservoir

Distance:  4.5 miles

Difficulty:  moderate – some rough pastures, moorland and steps
Route type:  circular
Parking:  car park at Reservoir Road, HG3 4BB
Accessibility:  low – moorland; some steep or uneven ground

Tucked into the Washburn Valley, Thruscross offers a circular route full of intrigue. Beneath its calm waters lie the ghostly remains of the village of West End, flooded in the 1960s to create the reservoir. When the water levels drop, you might spot remnants of its old stone walls peeking through, offering a haunting glimpse into the past.

The walk itself winds through forest and open moor and along the water's edge. It's peaceful and rarely crowded, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Keen birdwatchers will be in their element here, too, with curlews, oystercatchers and the occasional red kite soaring overhead.

Bring a packed lunch, find a quiet bench overlooking the valley and soak in the stillness. This one is pure Yorkshire magic.

3. Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs

Distance:  3 miles for Swinsty loop; 4 to 5 miles for combo
Difficulty:  easy – wide, well-surfaced paths and minimal incline
Route type:  circular
Parking:  Swinsty Moor car park, LS21 2NP or Stack Point, HG3 1SU
Accessibility:  high – no steps or stiles on main Swinsty path; accessible toilets and parking

For a gentler day out, the Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs offer two serene circular walks connected by a short link path. That means it's easy to make your amble a little longer without much incline.

The paths are wide and well-maintained – ideal for families or casual walkers.

Expect plenty of woodland shade, open stretches along the dam walls and panoramic views across the Washburn Valley. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, herons and, in autumn, a spectacular show of golden leaves reflected in the water.

Fewston is also accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs in sections, making it one of the most inclusive reservoir walks in Yorkshire. You can also finish the day with a drive through the Dales to Stump Cross Caverns. Here, you can warm up with soup and a sandwich before exploring our glittering underground caves.

4. Eccup Reservoir

Distance:  5.2 miles
Difficulty:  easy
Route type:  circular
Parking:  Alwoodley Lane, Leeds (check local signage)
Accessibility:  moderate to high – good paths; some incline A little closer to the city but no less beautiful, Eccup Reservoir offers one of the most accessible and wildlife-rich walks in West Yorkshire. The route skirts the edge of the water and weaves through Goodrick Plantation, offering both shade and open skies.

This is also one of the best places in the region to spot red kites, which circle gracefully above the treeline. The paths are mostly level and well-signposted, making it a perfect choice for families or casual weekend walkers.

Combine it with a visit to nearby Golden Acre Park. Or make it a full-day road trip with a detour into the Dales, perhaps finishing at Stump Cross Caverns for a late lunch.

5. Scar House and Angram reservoirs

Distance:  10 miles
Difficulty:  challenging – moorland; longer distance; rugged terrain
Route type:  linear or extended circular, depending on route
Parking:  Scar House Reservoir Car Park, Middlesmoor
Accessibility:  low – recommended for experienced walkers with appropriate gear For seasoned walkers and lovers of seriously big views, this is one of the most impressive reservoir routes in the region.

Starting at Scar House, the trail crosses open moorland and leads to the more remote Angram Reservoir, surrounded by the brooding slopes of Great Whernside.

The path is rocky and exposed in parts, but every step is rewarded with expansive views of the wild beauty of Nidderdale. It's especially breathtaking when the heather is in bloom. 

You'll feel a real sense of adventure here. Far from the crowds, you'll have only the sounds of the wind and the lap of water against the shore for company.

Be sure to pack plenty of provisions, warm layers, and a map. This one's a proper day out!

Enjoy a well-earned pause at Stump Cross Caverns

After a day spent exploring Yorkshire's reservoirs, there's no better place to unwind than Stump Cross Caverns. Just minutes from Grimwith, we provide an all-weather haven. Here, you can swap the muddy boots for a comfy seat in our cosy Time Cafe and refuel with hearty homemade food.

And of course, we've got something truly unique to offer – a winding underground cave network full of secret passageways and stunning stalactites.


Whether your Yorkshire reservoir walk takes you across moor, woodland or water, make sure to add Stump Cross Caverns to your route. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones just beneath your feet!