Top 5 Lakes around Upsall

For easy and scenic walks, Cod Beck Reservoir offers a well-surfaced, mostly flat 1.5-mile circular path suitable for families. Gormire Lake and the surrounding Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve provide peaceful woodland trails with dramatic cliffs. Staindale Lake is also easily accessible and great for wildlife observation during a stroll.

Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir is ideal for families due to its easy, pushchair-friendly circular path. Woodland Lakes Fishery offers children's play areas and an indoor heated swimming pool, making it suitable for family holidays. Stonebridge Fishing Lakes also provides glamping options and a serene countryside setting for a family escape.

You have excellent options for fishing. Stonebridge Fishing Lakes in Little Fencote offers idyllic coarse fishing with two spring-fed lakes stocked with various species, including carp and trout. They also have a bait and tackle shop and disabled angler facilities. Woodland Lakes Fishery near Thirsk is an award-winning coarse fishery with 11 well-stocked lakes for both pleasure and match fishing, including day and night options.

Yes, Gormire Lake is popular for wild swimming. It's known for its clean and surprisingly warm water, and the absence of currents makes it a safe and enjoyable spot for a dip.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Cod Beck Reservoir is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a vital habitat for common toads, as well as various fish species like brown trout and grayling. Staindale Lake is particularly noted for its abundance of local wildlife, making it an excellent spot for observation. Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, adjacent to Gormire Lake, hosts diverse flora and fauna, including lichens, mosses, ferns, and various flowers.

Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir features a well-surfaced, mostly flat 1.5-mile (2.4 km) circular path that is suitable for pushchairs and offers easy accessibility. Stonebridge Fishing Lakes also provides level platforms for disabled anglers, ensuring good access to the fishing areas.

The region around Upsall offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Castle Lodge loop from Cowesby' or 'Running loop from Knayton with Brawith'. There are also cycling routes like the 'Howe Hill – White Horse Café loop from Cowesby'. For more details, explore the Running Trails around Upsall or Cycling around Upsall guides.

Yes, Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve offer peaceful woodland trails. The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way provides access to the lake. You can also enjoy views from Whitestone Cliff, which is part of the classic Cleveland Way trail. For easy hikes in the area, check out the Easy hikes around Upsall guide, which includes routes like the 'View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop'.

Many areas within the North York Moors National Park, where several of these lakes are located, are dog-friendly, especially on public footpaths. For example, the trails around Cod Beck Reservoir are generally suitable for dogs. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife or livestock, and to check specific signage at each location.

The lakes offer beauty in all seasons. Spring and summer are ideal for walking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn provides stunning foliage, particularly around wooded areas like Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve. Winter walks can be peaceful and atmospheric, especially around Cod Beck Reservoir with its coniferous woodlands. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

Yes, the nearby villages offer amenities. The village of Osmotherley, close to Cod Beck Reservoir, has public toilets and shops. For Stonebridge Fishing Lakes, glamping bell tents and caravan pitches are available on-site. The wider area, including towns like Thirsk, provides various pubs, cafes, and accommodation options, serving as good bases for exploring the North York Moors.

Gormire Lake is quite unique as it has no rivers or streams flowing into it. It is believed to be fed by an underground spring and drained by a limestone channel. This contributes to its remarkably clean and clear water, making it a popular spot for wild swimming.

Yes, parking is available at several locations. Cod Beck Reservoir has parking facilities nearby. Staindale Lake is easily accessible with a car park right beside its waters. For Gormire Lake, visitors typically park at nearby viewpoints or trailheads, such as those along the Cleveland Way, and access the lake on foot.