We're working in the area
The Barff summit path will be closed until 2028, while we complete work on new boreholes to source water more sustainably in the area. Thanks for bearing with us while we make these improvements.
Our borehole project at Brayton Barff
We're investing £8.3 billion between 2025 and 2030 to improve services for customers and upgrade our infrastructure across Yorkshire.
As part of this investment, we're carrying out a project at Brayton Barff to investigate and drill two new boreholes. Boreholes are deep shafts that allow us to access naturally filtered groundwater stored in underground rocks, known as aquifers. This water can then be treated and supplied to local homes and businesses.
Projects like this help us plan for the future, so we can continue providing reliable, high-quality drinking water while making our network more resilient and sustainable.
What work is taking place?
The project is located at the Barff summit and began in summer 2025. We expect work to be completed in 2028.
We're working with our construction partner, Ward & Burke, to carry out the project as quickly and safely as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Most work will take place between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally, work may need to take place outside these hours or at weekends to help keep the project on schedule.
Changes to public access
To keep everyone safe and provide enough space for construction activities, the Barff summit meadow path will be closed from September 2026 until the project is complete.
We understand this may affect people who visit and enjoy Brayton Barff, and we'd like to thank you for your patience while this work is carried out.
There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area. You can find information on this page about alternative walks around the Barff woodland, and you're welcome to use any other open, signposted paths during your visit.
Why we're doing this
By investigating new groundwater sources now, we're helping to secure reliable drinking water supplies for the future and support the long-term resilience of Yorkshire's water network.
Explore the woodlands of Brayton Barff
This woodland surrounding a covered reservoir is frequently visited for recreational activities such as walking, admiring the scenery and bird watching.
The undulating paths around the site are wide and well-surfaced, with no barriers to access for wheelchair and pushchair users such as steps and stiles. Climbing to the top of the hill offers visitors a rare viewpoint of the surrounding area, with its significant height relative to the miles and miles of flat land around it.
Facilities
Useful Downloads
Details
Location
South of the Vale of York
Difficulty
1 out of 4
Route length
1.3 miles
Walking time
45 minutes
Terrain & gradient
The path is and well-surfaced throughout (hard and smooth), with a consistent 2 metre width. Mostly gently undulating, however some sections are quite steep.
How to get there
By car
Our free car park is located off Barff Lane, just west of Brayton (please note there is a 2 metre height barrier).
From Selby
Follow the A19 heading west. Stay on the A19 as it branches to the left by the town hall. After about 11/2 miles, turn right onto Barff Lane. After about a mile, the car park is on your left.
By public transport
There are bus stops within walking distance of Brayton Barff.
Visitor information
To keep everyone happy and safe, please:
- 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.
