Top 7 Lakes around Kepwick

Around Kepwick, you'll discover a mix of natural lakes and man-made reservoirs within the North York Moors National Park. These include serene natural features like Gormire Lake, which is spring-fed, and picturesque reservoirs such as Cod Beck Reservoir and Upper Oakdale Reservoir.

Yes, Gormire Lake is exceptionally popular for wild swimming. Its water is known for being very clean, lacking strong currents, and surprisingly warm, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip amidst the Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve.

Cod Beck Reservoir is an excellent choice. It features an accessible, largely flat, and well-maintained circular path, perfect for leisurely strolls with families, pushchairs, or wheelchairs. The 1.5-mile circuit offers pleasant woodland views and can be completed in about an hour.

The area around Kepwick's lakes, particularly within the North York Moors National Park, offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails ranging from easy to difficult. For example, there are moderate hikes like the 'View of the North York Moors – High Paradise Farm Tearoom loop' or easy options such as the 'Upper Oakdale Reservoir – Square Corner Car Park loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Kepwick guide or the Easy hikes around Kepwick guide.

For a tranquil experience, Upper Oakdale Reservoir is a beautiful, less-frequented spot. It's no longer used for water supply and has been left to thrive, providing a peaceful habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, the Nettle Dale ponds offer a beautiful stretch of water, though parts are on private land, the Cleveland Way runs along its southern side.

Gormire Lake is unique because it's not fed by rivers or streams; instead, it's believed to be supplied by an underground spring and drained by a limestone channel. It lies within the Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush woodlands, making it a distinctive and ecologically significant site.

Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir is an ecologically significant area, recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's particularly vital for common toads that hibernate in the surrounding moorland. The reservoir is encircled by mature woodland, offering a tranquil atmosphere for observing local flora and fauna.

Yes, several easy trails are available. For instance, the 'Upper Oakdale Reservoir – Square Corner Car Park loop' is an easy 4.7 km hike. You can find more easy routes and detailed information on the Easy hikes around Kepwick guide.

The lakes around Kepwick are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most vibrant scenery with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings stunning fall colors to the woodlands. Even in winter, the landscapes can be dramatic and peaceful, though some paths might be muddy or icy.

Many of the trails and areas around the lakes in the North York Moors National Park are dog-friendly, including the circular path around Cod Beck Reservoir and the wider Dalby Forest area near Staindale Lake. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife, livestock, or in nature reserves like Garbutt Wood, and to follow the Countryside Code.

The area offers several scenic viewpoints. Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve provides dramatic cliffs rising above the treetops, offering breathtaking views. The circular path around Cod Beck Reservoir also provides pleasant woodland views and glimpses across the Vale of York.

Yes, the diverse terrain around Kepwick's lakes provides excellent running opportunities. You can find various routes, from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Black Hambleton Summit Cairn – Hambleton Street Track loop' which is 13.2 km. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Kepwick guide.