Lindley Wood Reservoir
Lindley Wood Reservoir
4.5
(1756)
15,930
hikers
491
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Lindley Wood Reservoir are characterized by a blend of ancient woodlands, tranquil reservoir shores, and riverside paths along the River Washburn. The region features varied terrain, including moderate inclines that offer expansive views across the picturesque Washburn Valley. Hikers can explore forest tracks and open countryside, providing diverse natural scenery.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
2.9
(7)
29
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7
hikers
6.53km
01:53
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
17
hikers
7.03km
01:58
130m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lovely spot with a bench for having lunch and admiring the packhorse bridge over a gently flowing river.
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Little Alms Cliff 256.2m P21.1 New [JNSA s11161] New sub Tump. DTM Lidar has this as a P19.4m but has missed the summit rocks. DSM Lidar makes this a P21.1m County of Yorkshire Definitive List summit.
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Dob Park Bridge spans the River Washburn. The bridge carried the routeway from Dob Park Mill and probably Dob Park Lodge across the river to Norwood and Fewston. It is narrow in width and was intended to carry horses loaded with panniers across the water.
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Great in Autumn when the leaves on the trees change colour.
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Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.
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Loved the route along the path through the wood to the bridge after the dam, but turn around there and come back, don't do the loop. The road section is very dangerous.
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Don’t walk the loop on the road leg
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There are over 250 easy hiking trails around Lindley Wood Reservoir, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and durations. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars.
Easy hikes around Lindley Wood Reservoir feature a captivating blend of ancient woodlands, tranquil reservoir shores, and paths alongside the River Washburn. You'll find forest tracks, open countryside, and moderate inclines that provide expansive views across the picturesque Washburn Valley.
Yes, several easy trails pass by significant historical landmarks. For instance, the Grade II listed 17th-century Dob Park Bridge, an ancient packhorse bridge, is a prominent feature. Some routes also lead past the ruins of Dob Park Lodge, offering a glimpse into the region's past. You can explore these on routes like the Dob Park Bridge – Dob Park Lodge Ruins loop from Newall with Clifton.
Yes, many of the easy trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Dob Park Bridge – Lindley Wood Reservoir loop from Braythorn, which offers varied landscapes, and the Lindley Wood Reservoir – Jurassic Park Singletrack loop from Newall with Clifton.
The area is beautiful year-round, but spring is particularly vibrant when the ancient woodlands, such as Lindley Wood itself and Warren Plantation, are filled with bluebells. Clear days offer panoramic views across the Washburn Valley, with distant sights of Almscliff Crag.
Many easy trails are suitable for families, offering gentle gradients and interesting sights like historical ruins and diverse woodlands. The varied terrain and relatively shorter distances of routes like the Dob Park Bridge – Lindley Wood Reservoir loop from Braythorn make them enjoyable for all ages.
Yes, Lindley Wood Reservoir is a popular spot for dog walkers. Most trails are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, wildlife, or other hikers, and to follow local signage regarding pet regulations.
Parking is available at various points around the reservoir, often near trailheads or local amenities. Specific parking locations will depend on your chosen starting point for a particular route.
For post-hike refreshments, the historic Roebuck Inn is conveniently located just west of Lindley Wood Reservoir, offering a place to relax after your walk.
The tranquil waters and surrounding woodlands create an ideal habitat for various bird species, making it a good spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. You might also encounter other local wildlife in the ancient woodlands and along the riverside paths.
The duration of easy walks varies depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Dob Park Bridge – Dob Park Lodge Ruins loop from Newall with Clifton, which is 4.0 miles (6.5 km), typically takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. Shorter options like the Dob Park Bridge – Lindley Wood Reservoir loop from Braythorn can be completed in just over an hour.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,600 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the diverse scenery ranging from ancient woodlands to tranquil reservoir shores, and the historical points of interest like Dob Park Bridge. Many appreciate that it's often less busy than other reservoirs, offering a more serene experience.


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