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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Fishing at our fisheries

Washburn Fishery reopening

Important information for anglers - please read before returning to the site:

We are pleased to announce that Washburn Fishery will be re-opened from 20^th July, following the necessary closure associated with COVID-19.

To help keep our visitors and staff safe, we have introduced some changes to the way the fishery is managed. We ask that you please read this information carefully and follow these measures to reduce the risk to all parties.

Before travelling to site, please ensure you have your own pen and the exact cash amount for your ticket. You can find a link to a pdf document containing more information about the fishery, including current prices, further down this page.
Only one angler at a time will be permitted inside the fishery office – if more than one angler is present please queue outside, maintaining social distancing and following current Government guidance at all times.
Once inside the lobby, there will be a hand sanitiser station. Please make use of this before proceeding to handle forms and cash bags.
Complete the registration form using your own pen and deposit your cash into one of the banking bags. Insert these into an envelope and post this through the office door letterbox (banking bags and envelopes will be provided).
After you have finished fishing, please post your catch/return form through the office door letterbox or deposit it in the returns box outside.
There will be additional signage at the office to remind you of this information.
Please be aware that the toilet block remains closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your patience and co-operation and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Damflask Fishery

Important information for anglers - please read before returning to the site:

We are pleased to announce that Damflask Fishery will be re-opened from 25th September, following the necessary closure associated with COVID-19.

Before travelling to site, please ensure you have the exact cash amount for your ticket. You can find a link to a pdf document containing more information about the fishery, including current prices, further down this page.
Maintain social distancing and follow current Government guidance at all times. Sanitise hands before and after using the ticket machine.
If you cannot use the ticket machine for any reason, please find a Fishery Bailiff and follow their instructions for cash and ticket handling to maintain social distancing and minimise the risk of transmission of Covid 19.

Thank you for your patience and co-operation and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Fishing spots and prices

We have fishing spots at Damflask and Washburn Valley. Use the following links for all the information you need about fishing on our sites and the prices or read on to find out more.

Washburn Valley Fishery Prices, Rules, Opening Times.pdf 0.2MB Yorkshire Water Damflask Fishery.pdf 0.1MB

Washburn Valley Fishery

Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs offer exceptionally high quality fly and coarse fishing in a stunning rural setting. The fishery is easily accessible from the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate, Otley and Leeds.

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs are both 153 acres in surface area and are regularly stocked with rainbow trout at 1lb 6oz and fish between 3lb and 7lb. The largest rainbow trout caught here was over 14lb! Wild brown trout can be caught and returned in all reservoirs, Thruscross reservoir is a wild brown trout fishery only with 140 acres of water and limited bank space for the angler. The reservoirs are all part of the water supply system and the level of water can vary. This and the size of the waters, compared with many other fisheries, will test the skill of the angler.

Damflask Fishery

Damflask is one of Yorkshire's largest premier fisheries, a 116 acre reservoir which boasts a coarse and pike fishery. Situated within the stunning Peak District National Park it is 15 minute drive to the west of Sheffield city centre.

The reservoir can be fished for bream, chub, dace, perch, pike and roach and is open all year round. In recent years we have restocked the reservoir with over 100 bream, some weighing more than 4lbs each. At a match held at the reservoir in 2005, an individual record of 70lbs was set by one angler!

Stop the Spread

Are you unknowingly spreading invasive species on your water sports equipment and clothing?

Invasive species can affect fish and other wildlife, restrict navigation, clog up propellers and be costly to manage. You can help protect the water sports you love by following three simple steps when you leave the water. Find out more here.