Ways to explore
Tophill Low Nature Reserve
A network of marshes, ponds, woodlands and grasslands result in an annual 160+ bird species, with over 60 readily visible even in mid winter
Facilities near you
Search our map for walks, easy access routes, cycling, riding and fishing
Our fishing spots
Find information about our fisheries at Damflask and Washburn Valley
Easier routes
View all our easier routes and watch videos to give you an idea of what you can expect
Visitor safety
Read about reservoir dangers and the byelaws that are helping to keep you safe.
Things to do near Harrogate
Find gentle strolls, challenging hikes, fishing spots and places to cycle or ride near Harrogate.
Things to do near Leeds
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and fishing spots near Leeds.
Things to do near Sheffield
Find gentle waterside strolls, challenging hikes and places to fish or sail near Sheffield.
Our reservoirs
Fewston reservoir
Situated in the charming Washburn valley, sharing an embankment with Swinsty Reservoir, Fewston is popular with walkers and runners.
Langsett Reservoir
Langsett Reservoir sits at the north eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, less than 5 miles south west of Penistone.
Scammonden Reservoir
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.
Scar House Reservoir
North of Pateley Bridge, deep in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Scar House Reservoir sitting below Little Whernside.
Damflask Reservoir
Situated in the Loxley Valley, near the village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir can be found in the Washburn valley, less than 10 miles north of Otley and west of Harrogate
Digley Reservoir
Situated just within the Peak District National Park boundary, Digley Reservoir sits just below the petite Bilberry Reservoir.
All our reservoirs
View all our reservoirs
Our walks
Fewston Reservoir walk
A relatively gentle walk, this route encircles the beautiful Fewston Reservoir in the charming Washburn Valley.
Swinsty Reservoir walk
This route around Swinsty Reservoir nestles in the stunning Washburn Valley and provides breath-taking views across the water.
Scammonden Reservoir walk
Adjacent to the M62, this walk teeters around the edges of Scammonden Reservoir, taking in woodland and rough pastures.
Scar House Reservoir walk
Situated at the head of Nidderdale, this often wild yet beautiful area can be explored using this circular route around the water.
Digley Reservoir walk
Digley offers a varied walk alongside woods, through fields and the edge of the moor, with plenty of lovely scenery along the way.
Damflask Reservoir walk
3.5 mile route near the charming village of Low Bradfield, north-west of Sheffield.
Langsett Reservoir walk
This route meanders through woodland and across open moor providing spectacular views from higher ground.
All our walks
View all our walks
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Embsay walk

Covid-19 update

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:

Please do not travel to one of our sites if it isn’t local (which the government has defined as the village, town, or part of a city where you live).
Please only visit to exercise with your household, your support bubble, or to meet one other person.

If you do plan to visit, we continue to request that you are respectful of our sites, staff members, other visitors and local communities:

Please maintain social distancing throughout your visit.
Please follow any instructions on signage around the site.
Please follow designated paths. The paths are there to keep you and our key workers safe.
Make sure you take any litter home with you and do not light any BBQs or fires.
If the car park is full, please do not park on verges or on the road as this causes traffic issues and can block important access for operational vehicles or the emergency services.

All of our toilet facilities are currently closed so please be mindful of this when visiting.

Near the market town of Skipton, on the outskirts of the village of Embsay, this short circular walk around the Embsay Moor Reservoir gives wide views over the surrounding fields and moorland edge including Embsay Crag. The walk is 1 mile long.

Location

3 miles North of Skipton just off the A59

Difficulty

2 out of 4

Route Length

1 mile

Walking Time

45 minutes

Terrain & Gradient

Half of the walk is on wide footpaths and tarmac road and half is on grass paths which can be boggy. The footbridge is rather narrow as well.

How To Get There

This walk starts at Embsay Reservoir car park just off Pasture Rd, Skipton BD23 6PR (Point 1).

By car: From Skipton, take the A6131 towards Settle, Kendal and Grassington. After 2miles, turn left onto Skipton Road. Follow the road for another mile into Embsay and turn left onto West Lane. After 0.3miles, turn left onto Pasture Road. Follow this road, ignoring the blue Yorkshire Water sign for the treatment works. The car park will be on your right.

By public transport: There is a bus stop in Embsay on Main Street a mile away from the reservoir walk.