Small, but full of character!
6 miles to the west of Bedale, Thornton Steward is definitely one of Yorkshire Water’s smaller reservoirs, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of character! On sunny days you can observe the sailing club sculling around and the fly-fishermen trying their luck. Park up at our free car park (Moor lane, HG4 4BQ) and take a ramble across the unsurfaced but moderately flat grassy paths and enjoy the open countryside.
Facilities
Activities
Walks
| Walk | Distance | Difficulty | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton Steward walk | 1 miles | 1 out of 4 |
|
Fishing
The Felling Fly Fishing Club offers fishing at our Thornton Steward Reservoir.
Sailing
Thornton Steward Sailing Club offer family-friendly sailing at our Thornton Steward Reservoir.
Visitor information
To keep everyone happy and safe, please:
- follow government guidance
- don’t swim
- take your litter home
- stick to the path
- keep your dog on a lead
- clean up after your dog
- don’t light fires or BBQs.
How to get there
By car
You can use our free car park, which is off Moor Lane (HG4 4BQ).
From Harrogate
Take the A684 heading west. After about ½ a mile, turn left onto Sinks Lane. After a mile, turn left onto Moor End Lane, which then becomes No Man’s Moor Lane. Continue on this road for about 3 miles, then turn left onto Moor Lane. After about ½ a mile, you will come to the car park on the right.
By public transport
Unfortunately there is no public transport currently available to Thornton Steward Reservoir.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Thornton Steward Reservoir?
No, you can't swim in Thornton Steward Reservoir. Reservoirs are really dangerous places and have lots of dangers hidden under the surface. We don't allow anyone to swim in our reservoirs, even if you’re a great swimmer!
Why can’t you swim in Thornton Steward Reservoir?
Thornton Steward Reservoir has lots of hidden dangers. The water is very cold (even in summer) and cold water shock can kill. Thornton Steward Reservoir supplies water to be treated, so there's machinery and strong currents under the water. There may also be blue-green algae, which causes rashes and severe illnesses.
Can dogs swim in Thornton Steward Reservoir?
No, it’s not safe for dogs to swim in Thornton Steward Reservoir and they shouldn’t drink the water. Blue-green algae can form on the surface, which is poisonous and can kill them. There’s also dangerous machinery and strong currents under the water.
Is wild swimming allowed in Thornton Steward Reservoir?
No, Thornton Steward Reservoir is dangerous. Reservoirs aren't the same as natural lakes, they’re man-made and have large machinery that’s working 24/7 just below the surface. They’re also very cold, have strong currents and might have blue-green algae which causes rashes and severe illness.