4.6
(2401)
22,488
hikers
24
hikes
Hiking around Embsay With Eastby offers access to diverse landscapes on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The area features prominent natural landmarks such as Embsay Reservoir and Embsay Crag, alongside expansive moors like Eastby Moor and Barden Moor. Gritstone edges and varied terrain provide a range of outdoor experiences. This region serves as a gateway to wider Dales trails, including those around Rylstone Cross.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.6
(20)
165
hikers
5.12km
01:33
160m
160m
Embark on an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike around Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church, starting from Embsay Reservoir. This route offers a varied journey, taking you along waterside paths,…
4.3
(6)
80
hikers
4.21km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
46
hikers
15.4km
04:26
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
52
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
30
hikers
13.2km
03:54
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This is a tough climb and had zero visibility on first ride up there. Hoping for better views next time!
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There is no entrance to the steeper part except to shimmy around fences. We thought the hike straight up was very rocky with no direct path. Muddy and slippery. We turned around when we couldn’t find a clear path at the top. I would say this is not easy. Unless we were on some other trail.
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Elm Tree Inn is a nice little pub with a beer garden with a great view
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When hiking from the reservoir side, the trig pillar is located off the main path over the side of the wall accessed via a stile
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There are over 25 hiking trails around Embsay With Eastby, offering a variety of experiences from easy reservoir loops to more challenging moorland treks. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
Yes, the area is excellent for families. The walk around Embsay Reservoir is particularly popular, offering an easy, circular route with wide grassy sections and views of Embsay Crag. A great option is the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop from Embsay Reservoir, which is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and takes about 1 hour 33 minutes to complete.
Embsay With Eastby offers several rewarding circular walks. Beyond the reservoir, you can explore routes like the Embsay Reservoir – Rylstone Cross loop from Embsay with Eastby, which is a moderate 8.9 miles (14.4 km) path offering expansive views across the Dales, including Rylstone Cross.
Many trails around Embsay With Eastby are dog-friendly, especially the open moorland paths and the reservoir walk. However, please be mindful of livestock, particularly during lambing season, and keep dogs on a lead where necessary. Always follow the Countryside Code.
You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from the picturesque Embsay Reservoir and the prominent gritstone formation of Embsay Crag to the expansive, rugged beauty of Eastby Moor and Barden Moor. The area is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering dramatic scenery and varied terrain.
Absolutely. Many routes pass by the historic St Mary's Church. You can also find impressive natural features like Embsay Reservoir itself, and the challenging climb to Embsay Crag offers panoramic views. Further afield, but accessible, are highlights like Sharp Haw Summit and Crookrise Trig Point.
The area is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning colours across the moors. Summer provides longer daylight hours for extended treks. Even in winter, the landscape can be dramatic, though some paths may be muddy or icy, requiring appropriate footwear and caution.
Yes, for those seeking a more vigorous challenge, routes like the Barden Road Climb – Barden Moor Climb loop from Embsay with Eastby offer a moderate 9.6 miles (15.4 km) trail through Barden Moor, typically completed in about 4 hours 26 minutes, with significant elevation gain.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, from the tranquil reservoir to the expansive moorland views, and the variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels.
Yes, climbing Embsay Crag rewards hikers with panoramic views across Skipton and the wider Yorkshire Dales. For a route that ventures closer to Skipton, consider the Holy Trinity Church, Skipton – View of Skipton Castle loop from Embsay with Eastby, which is a moderate 8.7 miles (14.0 km) route.
Hike durations vary significantly. Easy walks around the reservoir can be as short as 30 minutes to an hour. Moderate trails, such as the Embsay Reservoir – Moor Beck Footbridge loop from Embsay with Eastby (8.5 km), might take around 2.5 hours, while longer moorland treks can extend to over 4-5 hours.


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