Thornthwaite With Padside
Thornthwaite With Padside
4.5
(2312)
22,174
hikers
433
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Thornthwaite With Padside offer access to the diverse landscapes of North Yorkshire, situated within the Nidderdale National Landscape. The region is characterized by its scenic valleys, tranquil reservoirs, and historic features like the Padside Beck and its 15th-century packhorse bridge. Hikers can explore a network of paths that wind through agricultural land, alongside rivers, and around bodies of water such as Thruscross Reservoir, providing varied terrain suitable for easy walks. The area's natural beauty and gentle…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.6
(24)
211
hikers
Embark on the Thruscross Reservoir and Cloggers Lane loop, an easy hike that takes you around the tranquil waters of Thruscross Reservoir. This circular route spans 4.7 miles (7.5 km)…
4.3
(4)
28
hikers
5.59km
01:32
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
1.31km
00:22
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Undoubtedly the most scenic of the Washburn reservoirs with the moorland backdrop to the north. The circular route around the reservoir from the car park is about 5 miles, the track on the southwestern side runs along the edge of plantations and offers some shade from the sun and shelter from the elements. The track on the northeastern side is more exposed, and if you do the whole circuit you will cross over Far Comb Hill and the plantation along the edge of the reservoir at Whit Moor - a great route.
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Cracking location from which to explore. Reasonably well-sized car park at Blubberhouses. 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.
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Delightful walk along the River Washburn between Thruscross Reservoir and Blubberhouses. Easy track to follow along the river's edge, in parts it is a wide gravel track with very easy going, although it does eventually become more of a rabbit-path, narrow in places and riddled with tree routes.
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Fair sized and well-maintained car park with space for at least 30-40+ vehicles. Few picnic tables at the south-eastern end of the car park. There is also space for a few cars if you park off-road next to Thruscross Reservoir Lodge, on Reservoir Road on the eastern side of the dam, but these spots tend to fill up quickly.
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If you are enthusiastic enough to walk around all three reservoirs (Thruscross, Fewston, and Swinsty), clocking in at 15 miles, then you will see that Thruscross has the most spectacular dam of the three. If you follow the track from the car park at the western end of the dam, to the south towards the River Washburn, a track that descends quite steeply, then you will be rewarded with imposing views of the face of the dam.
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Different experience on each side of the reservoir. The track on the west / southwestern side is shaded and slightly elevated, running along the edge of plantations, and Scot Lane on the eastern side is a bit more exposed. A full circular route of the reservoir is around 5 miles or so.
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The walk from the large car park at Thruscross Reservoir dam up the west side of the reservoir to Cloggers Lane is magical and gives far better views than the tracks along Scot Lane on the eastern side. The track meanders along the edge of coniferous plantations, giving dappled shade on a sunny day and unobstructed views across the reservoir.
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Not very wide in places, but a great track runs all the way from Thruscross Reservoir to Blubberhouses car park. You'll get the best views of the imposing Thruscross Reservoir dam, and the constant babbling of the River Washburn as it snakes through the adjoining woods and plantations makes for a peaceful walk.
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There are over 160 easy hiking trails around Thornthwaite With Padside, offering a wide variety of routes suitable for accessible outdoor exploration within the Nidderdale National Landscape.
Easy hikes in Thornthwaite With Padside feature diverse landscapes including scenic valleys, tranquil reservoirs like Thruscross Reservoir, and historic features such as the 15th-century packhorse bridge over Padside Beck. You'll find paths winding through agricultural land, alongside rivers, and around bodies of water.
Yes, many easy routes are circular. For example, the Thruscross Reservoir and Cloggers Lane loop from Thruscross Reservoir Car Park is a popular 4.7-mile circular trail offering reservoir and countryside views. Another option is the River Washburn – Thruscross Dam loop from Thruscross, which is 3.5 miles.
You can explore the historic 15th-century packhorse bridge over Padside Beck, which is part of the Thornthwaite Packhorse Bridge – Vern Overton Cycling loop from Darley and Menwith. The dramatic sandstone formations of Brimham Rocks are also a short distance away and can be integrated into longer walks. Additionally, the area is known for its reservoirs, such as Fewston Reservoir and Thruscross Reservoir.
While the immediate easy trails may not lead directly to major waterfalls, the wider region around Thornthwaite With Padside is home to several. You can find highlights like Linton Falls and Posforth Gill Waterfall, which might be part of slightly longer or connected routes.
Yes, the easy trails are generally suitable for families. Many routes, especially those around reservoirs like Fewston Reservoir, offer gentle terrain and manageable distances. The Coldstones Cut loop from Bewerley is a shorter, very easy option at just over 1.3 km, ideal for a quick family outing.
Many easy hiking trails in the Thornthwaite With Padside area are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through agricultural land with livestock or in nature conservation areas. Reservoir walks, such as those around Thruscross Reservoir, are popular choices for dog walkers.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil reservoir paths, the scenic river valleys, and the gentle hills within the Nidderdale National Landscape, making it ideal for accessible and enjoyable walks.
The region is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers pleasant temperatures, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, easy trails can be enjoyed, though appropriate footwear and clothing are essential due to potentially muddy or icy conditions.
Yes, many popular trailheads, especially those around the reservoirs, have dedicated car parks. For instance, the Thruscross Reservoir and Cloggers Lane loop starts from the Thruscross Reservoir Car Park, providing convenient access.
While Thornthwaite With Padside itself is a small village, the wider Nidderdale area offers various cafes and pubs. You'll find options in nearby towns and villages like Pateley Bridge or Summerbridge, which are often accessible after completing a hike.
The terrain on easy hikes is generally gentle, consisting of well-maintained paths, gravel tracks, and some grassy sections. You can expect mostly flat or gently undulating ground, making it suitable for those seeking less strenuous walks.
Easy hikes vary in length and duration. Many popular routes, like the Thruscross Reservoir and Cloggers Lane loop, take around 2 hours to complete. Shorter options, such as the Coldstones Cut loop, can be done in under an hour.


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