4.5
(1664)
14,346
hikers
503
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Little Timble are set within the scenic Washburn Valley, characterized by its rural charm and diverse landscapes. The area features prominent natural elements such as the River Washburn, which offers pleasant riverside walks, and significant reservoirs including Swinsty Reservoir and Fewston Reservoir. Hikers can also explore Timble Ings Wood, a large woodland with accessible trails, providing a variety of terrain from easily-accessible paths to some rutted sections. The region offers a network of footpaths radiating from…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.8
(63)
960
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(48)
898
hikers
5.30km
01:24
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(8)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
805
hikers
5.41km
01:26
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
42
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Fabulous scenic spot for a break, however, there are only 3 or 4 tables that I could see, so being next to Fewston car park I imagine they would fill up quickly (my photos take at around 7am). There are also numerous benches along the track around the eastern side of the reservoir.
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Valve house just north of Swinsty Cottage at the eastern edge of Swinsty Reservoir dam. Presumably still in operation and working effectively. Back in 2011 the valves at the adjacent Fewston Reservoir were found to be leaking and were repaired by Blackhall Valvologists https://blackhall.co.uk/fewston-reservoir-valve-repair-refurbishment.html
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Cracking location from which to explore. Reasonably well-sized car park (about 25 spaces) immediately accessible from the A59. Head south to walk around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs along very easy and well-maintained tracks, or even better, head north up the River Washburn for a serene woodland walk along the babbling river's edge, to eventually pop out at the very imposing face of Thruscross Reservoir dam. If this car park is full, then try Swinsty Moor Plantation or Fewston village if heading south, or try the bigger car park at Thruscross Reservoir if heading north.
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Small bridge at the southern end of the dam allows you to peer over and see the overflow for Fewston Reservoir and the sloping masonry weirs that channel overflow down into Swinsty Reservoir. Great views of both reservoirs northwest to Fewston and southeast to Swinsty.
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Good quality paths all the way around Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, with parking at Swinsty Moor Plantation, Fewston village, Blubberhouses, and Thruscross Reservoir dam. If you do all 3 reservoirs then that clocks in at a 15-mile route, but is well worth it. The paths around the southern reservoirs are generally wide and flat. There are benches at periodic intervals on the eastern side of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, where you can take a break and admire the views.
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Easy to access and walk along the water's edge, levels quite low in spring of 2025 (see photos).
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Quite a few opportunities all around the reservoirs to head toward the water's edge, so you are unlikely to get completely stuck if you go off-piste. In early 2025 the water level is quite low.
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The track along this part of the reservoir is very good quality and clearly well-trodden: wide and flat, and provides welcome shade when the sun is scorching.
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Little Timble offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 250 routes suitable for various fitness levels. The area is known for its accessible paths, particularly around the reservoirs and through woodlands.
Easy hikes around Little Timble feature diverse terrain, including well-maintained paths around the reservoirs, riverside trails along the River Washburn, and woodland routes through areas like Timble Ings Wood. While many paths are easily accessible, some sections, especially in woodlands, can be rutted or undulating with gentle inclines.
Yes, many easy trails around Little Timble are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular options include the View of Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble, which is 4.2 miles (6.8 km), and the Swinsty Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble, an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path connecting both reservoirs.
Easy hikes in Little Timble showcase the scenic Washburn Valley, featuring prominent natural elements like the River Washburn and its picturesque banks. You'll also encounter significant reservoirs such as Swinsty Reservoir and Fewston Reservoir, with routes often traversing their embankments. Timble Ings Wood, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, offers rich woodland scenery. For other natural attractions nearby, consider visiting the Cow and Calf Rocks or the Rombalds Moor Trig Point.
Yes, parking is generally available for hikers accessing trails around Little Timble, particularly near popular starting points for reservoir walks. Many routes, including those around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, have designated parking areas.
The Washburn Valley, including Little Timble, is enjoyable year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful when gorse and wildflowers are abundant, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. Autumn also offers stunning scenery with changing foliage. The reservoir paths are generally accessible in most weather conditions.
Absolutely. The easy trails around Little Timble, especially those circling Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, are ideal for families. These routes often feature relatively flat, well-maintained paths suitable for children. The Farmhouse Ice Cream Van – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble is a shorter, easy option at 2.5 miles (4.1 km).
Many easy hiking trails in the Little Timble area are dog-friendly, particularly the reservoir paths and woodland routes. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock, wildlife, and other hikers, and to check for any specific local signage regarding dog access.
Yes, the unpretentious Timble Inn is a welcoming spot for walkers, providing a cozy place to enjoy refreshments after a hike. There are also other cafes and pubs in the surrounding villages that cater to visitors.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 780 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil reservoir views, the varied terrain from riverside to woodland paths, and the overall accessibility of the easy routes. The well-marked trails and the natural beauty of the Washburn Valley are frequently highlighted.
Easy hikes around Little Timble vary in length and duration. For example, the Fewston Reservoir Dam – Swinsty Reservoir loop from Little Timble, which is 3.4 miles (5.4 km), can be completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes. Longer routes like the View of Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble (4.2 miles / 6.8 km) typically take around 1 hour 47 minutes.


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