Best lakes around Masham are primarily man-made reservoirs and unique water features, set within the scenic landscape of North Yorkshire. The area offers various bodies of water Masham area, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. These locations are known for their picturesque settings and historical interest. Visitors can explore a mix of tranquil moorland reservoirs and distinctive woodland ponds.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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Lumley Moor was built to release water, not just store it. Victorian waterworks often reduced natural river flow. When towns like Ripon began abstracting water from upland streams, they risked lowering summer flows, affecting mills downstream, killing fish and breaching riparian rights (a big legal issue for Victorians). So water authorities were legally required to put water back into the river to compensate for what they took out. Same as Gouthwaite Reservoir but on a much smaller scale, this is a type of compensation reservoir.
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Grewelthorpe is around 3 miles South of Masham and 6 miles North of Ripon. It hosts an ancient 12th-century church and the nearby Hackfall Woods
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The small dam was originally built for the city of Ripon. These days, it belongs to Yorkshire Water. Paths go essentially around all of it, making for a very pleasant walk.
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Please note that the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is temporarily closed at present, but will reopen on the 18th April 2024. The gardens are stunning with atypical, some certainly "Himalayan" sculptures and art, massive amount of fabulous flowers, a couple of lakes, beautiful paths and, yes, you guessed it, a tearoom! Obviously, none of stuff like this is for free, so check the Garden's website for entry fees and more information: https://www.himalayangarden.com/
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There is a valve tower here on the dam on the Roundhill Reservoir (the larger Leighton Reservoir to the north-east). The dam was built by the town of Harrogate between 1903 and 1911. The water was pumped from here to Harlow Hill in Harrogate.
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The fountain pond in Hackfall Forest is well worth finding. The fountain works from a hand pump that you must pressurize yourself. There is an information board and example of the old wooden pipes that used to carry water to the pond and fountain. There is also a small folly close by.
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A stunning garden, with some unusual and interesting Sculptures. One of the highlights of our holiday and highly recommended.
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Lovely garden and sculpture trail hidden in a steep valley. Reasonable climb up from Ripon. But once you get there you can refresh at the cafe and have a wander through the trees, enter Himalayan huts, spot sculptures and chill by the lakes.
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The bodies of water around Masham are primarily man-made reservoirs and unique water features, rather than natural lakes. These include tranquil moorland reservoirs like Roundhill and Leighton, and distinctive woodland ponds such as the Hackfall Fountain Pond.
Visitors often enjoy the Hackfall Fountain Pond, where you can operate a hand-pumped fountain. Another popular spot is the Roundhill Reservoir Dam, known for its historical valve tower. Lumley Moor Reservoir also offers pleasant walking paths around its perimeter.
Yes, there are several walking opportunities. Lumley Moor Reservoir has paths that encircle it, providing a pleasant walk. The moorland areas around Roundhill and Leighton Reservoirs also offer serene environments for walks. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guides around Masham.
At Hackfall Fountain Pond, you can learn about the old wooden pipes that once supplied water and see a small folly nearby. The Roundhill Reservoir Dam features a valve tower built between 1903 and 1911, and a distinctive stone tower on the moorland above Roundhill Reservoir was used for triangulating a water tunnel to Harrogate.
Many of the areas around Masham's lakes are suitable for families. For example, Hackfall Fountain Pond is considered family-friendly, offering an interactive experience with its hand-pumped fountain. Lumley Moor Reservoir also provides easy walking paths suitable for all ages.
Yes, there are easy walking options. The paths around Lumley Moor Reservoir are generally pleasant and accessible. For more easy routes, consider exploring the easy hikes around Masham guide, which includes routes like the 'Masham Market Square – Black Sheep Brewery loop'.
Beyond walking around the reservoirs, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes around Masham, including those through Hackfall Wood. There are also options for gravel biking, with routes like the 'Masham Market Square – Trapping Hill loop'.
The lakes and reservoirs around Masham offer picturesque settings throughout the year. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and warmer weather for walks, while autumn brings vibrant colours to the surrounding woodlands. Winter can offer a tranquil, desolate beauty, especially around the moorland reservoirs like Roundhill and Leighton.
Yes, the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is a notable attraction. It features stunning gardens, unique sculptures, and includes a couple of lakes within its grounds, offering beautiful paths and a tearoom.
Visitors appreciate the picturesque settings, the historical interest of the man-made reservoirs, and the opportunities for peaceful walks. The interactive nature of the Hackfall Fountain Pond and the tranquil, wild atmosphere of the moorland reservoirs like Roundhill Reservoir are frequently highlighted.
The moorland and woodland paths around the reservoirs and ponds are generally suitable for dog walking. Areas like Lumley Moor Reservoir and the trails near Roundhill and Leighton Reservoirs offer open spaces for dogs, though it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or wildlife.


Still not found your perfect lake around Masham? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.