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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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.
Situated at the head of Nidderdale, this often wild yet beautiful area can be explored using this circular route around the water. Scar House Reservoir is remote and peaceful and surrounded by impressive scenery. Along this route you can also admire the impressive architecture of the neighbouring Angram Reservoir, with its dramatic arches across the spillway which flows into Scar House.
Location
Near Middlesmoor in Nidderdale, north of Pateley Bridge
Difficulty
3 out of 4
Route Length
4 miles
Walking Time
3 hours
Terrain & Gradient
A mixture of rough, uneven tracks, tarmac roads, and moorland paths. Some sections can get muddy and boggy at wetter times of year. There are some steep climbs. Sturdy boots, waterproofs and appropriate warm layers are recommended, as this is an exposed area where the weather can quickly change.
How To Get There
By car: This route starts from our free car park (Point 1), which is near the end of the reservoir dam and does not have a height barrier. To get here, follow Yorkshire Water’s private tarmac access road, which turns off to the right about 100 metres after Lofthouse village when driving towards Middlesmoor.
To get to Lofthouse Village from Pateley Bridge, follow Low Wath Road for about 7 miles.
From Masham: follow Fearby Road, which becomes Keld Bank and passes through Healey and Leighton. After Leighton Reservoir, Keld Bank becomes Pott Bank, then Pott Moor High Road, then Trapping Hill before entering Lofthouse Village, about 10 miles from Masham. Take a right at the T-junction, then look out for the Yorkshire Water access road on the right after about 150m.
By public transport: Unfortunately here is no public transport currently available to Scar House Reservoir.