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.
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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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Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around a reservoir, a challenging hike, a bike ride with the family, a bit of pony trekking or an afternoon of fishing, there's plenty to do around Harrogate.
Washburn Valley Fishery offers exceptionally high-quality fly and coarse fishing across Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs. It's a stunning rural location which is easily accessible from Harrogate.
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 the reservoirs.
Thruscross reservoir is a wild brown trout fishery with 140 acres of water.
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.
Walking & running near Harrogate
Scenic strolls
If you fancy a gentle stroll, try our Swinsty and Fewston walks to enjoy breathtaking views across the water and the surrounding landscape. They're also great routes for running as they are mostly flat. If you’re looking for a longer walk, why not do both and make a day of it?
Challenging routes
If you want to challenge yourself, you could give our Swinsty to Beaver Dyke route a go. This varied walk takes you through fields and woodland. Along the way, you’ll get impressive views across Swinsty Reservoir, John O’Gaunt and Beaver Dyke reservoirs.
Or you could try our Fewston and Timble walk. This is a longer 6.2 mile route through fields and woodland. The walk takes you past dragonfly ponds and, if you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot deer along the way.
Best views
If it’s views you’re after, head further north for our Thruscross walk. Thruscross is the highest of the three reservoirs which makes it a great viewpoint. It’s a tough route but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley and surrounding moorland – just make sure you wear sturdy boots!