A network of marshes, ponds, woodlands and grasslands result in an annual 160+ bird species, with over 60 readily visible even in mid winter
Search our map for walks, easy access routes, cycling, riding and fishing
Find information about our fisheries at Damflask and Washburn Valley
View all our easier routes and watch videos to give you an idea of what you can expect
Read about reservoir dangers and the byelaws that are helping to keep you safe.
Find gentle strolls, challenging hikes, fishing spots and places to cycle or ride near Harrogate.
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and fishing spots near Leeds.
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and places to fish or sail near Sheffield.
Situated in the charming Washburn valley, sharing an embankment with Swinsty Reservoir, Fewston is popular with walkers and runners.
Langsett Reservoir sits at the north eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, less than 5 miles south west of Penistone.
Don’t be put off by how close this reservoir is to the M62 reservoir, it is a still a haven of peace and tranquillity.
North of Pateley Bridge, deep in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Scar House Reservoir sitting below Little Whernside.
Situated in the Loxley Valley, near the village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield
Swinsty Reservoir can be found in the Washburn valley, less than 10 miles north of Otley and west of Harrogate
Situated just within the Peak District National Park boundary, Digley Reservoir sits just below the petite Bilberry Reservoir.
View all our reservoirs
A relatively gentle walk, this route encircles the beautiful Fewston Reservoir in the charming Washburn Valley.
This route around Swinsty Reservoir nestles in the stunning Washburn Valley and provides breath-taking views across the water.
Adjacent to the M62, this walk teeters around the edges of Scammonden Reservoir, taking in woodland and rough pastures.
Situated at the head of Nidderdale, this often wild yet beautiful area can be explored using this circular route around the water.
Digley offers a varied walk alongside woods, through fields and the edge of the moor, with plenty of lovely scenery along the way.
3.5 mile route near the charming village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield.
This route meanders through woodland and across open moor providing spectacular views from higher ground.
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In accordance with government guidance, our recreational sites and car parks remain open during the national lockdown for people to exercise locally. We ask that you follow the latest guidance to help keep yourself, our key workers and others safe. In the current lockdown this includes:
If you do plan to visit, we continue to request that you are respectful of our sites, staff members, other visitors and local communities:
All of our toilet facilities are currently closed so please be mindful of this when visiting.
Please note, not all of Eccup Reservoir is easy inclusive access. In our downloadable walking guide, the walk crosses fields on a natural surface which can be rough and boggy. However, between points 2 and 6, the walk follows wide tarmac roads and surfaced paths with no stiles, steps or steep inclines.
On the outskirts of Leeds, this circular walk is ideal for families with plenty to see along the way. The route passes through woodlands and the quaint village of Eccup, over a dam and alongside a local golf course. The reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is nationally important for birds, which is why it is especially important to stick to the paths and view nature from afar. You may also see the unmistakable red kite, recently saved from extinction in the UK. The walk is 4.5 miles long.
Location
North of Alwoodley, North Leeds
Difficulty
3 out of 4
Route Length
3 mile
Route Time
2.5 hours
Terrain & Gradient
Please note, not all of this route is suitable for easy inclusive access. The route up to point 2 crosses farmland which can be uneven and boggy. The rest of the walk follows surfaced paths and roads. There are 2 stiles but no steps on this walk.
How To Get There
By car: on-street parking is located near point 1 on Alwoodley Lane, LS17 7PF. Please park considerably and don’t impede any access.
As Eccup is an urban site, directions to the start of the walk can be complicated. Please visit www.google.com/maps and use the post code above to find directions from where you are.
By public transport: There is a bus stop on Alwoodley Lane which is 600m/0.4 miles from the start of this walk.
For up to date travel information from any location visit google maps to search directions.
More things to do near Leeds
Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around a reservoir, a challenging hike or an afternoon of fishing, there's plenty to do around Leeds.