Best lakes around Cold Kirby are found within the North Yorkshire area, offering a range of natural and man-made water features. The region is characterized by its tranquil woodlands, dramatic cliffs, and moorland landscapes, providing diverse settings for outdoor exploration. These natural environments support various flora and fauna, making them suitable for nature observation. The area's geology, including underground springs and limestone channels, contributes to the unique characteristics of its water bodies.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Popular around Cold Kirby
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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Cleveland Way runs the length of the southern side of this chain of lakes, but there is a short bridleway to the north of the westernmost edge of the lakes, which takes you up a climb to Dick Wood, just east of Old Byland. Lots of waterfowl and ducks.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Among the most popular lakes near Cold Kirby are Gormire Lake, known for its tranquil beauty and wild swimming opportunities, and Lower Fish Pond, a picturesque spot with well-managed paths and piers. Visitors also appreciate Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve for its diverse flora and dramatic cliffs.
Yes, Lower Fish Pond is considered family-friendly, offering picturesque views and well-managed paths suitable for a leisurely stroll. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is also a lovely, accessible spot for families to enjoy a walk.
The lakes are set within diverse natural landscapes. For instance, Gormire Lake is surrounded by lush woodland and dramatic cliffs, while the Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve features ancient woodland with bilberry, heather moorland, birch, oak, and holly, along with various lichens, mosses, ferns, and wildflowers like orchids. Cod Beck Reservoir offers moorland and woodlands along its walking path.
The area around Cold Kirby's lakes is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with options ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. There are also opportunities for gravel biking. For detailed routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Cold Kirby, Hiking around Cold Kirby, and Gravel biking around Cold Kirby.
Yes, Gormire Lake is a popular destination for hikers. You can find easy routes like the View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop (4.4 km) or more moderate options such as the Hood Hill & Gormire Lake loop (11.5 km) and another View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop (7.8 km) in the Hiking around Cold Kirby guide.
Gormire Lake is extremely popular for wild swimming. Its water is noted for being very clean, current-free, and surprisingly warm, making it a glorious spot for a refreshing dip, especially after a hike through the surrounding nature reserve.
A unique aspect of Gormire Lake is that it is believed to be fed by an underground spring and drained by a limestone channel. There are no visible rivers or streams flowing into or out of the lake, contributing to its tranquil and mysterious character.
The diverse natural environments around the lakes support various flora and fauna. For example, Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife. Around Nettle Dale ponds, you can often spot lots of waterfowl and ducks.
Yes, Cod Beck Reservoir features a 1.5-mile circular walking path that allows visitors to stroll through moorland and woodlands. For other lakes, many hiking routes, such as those around Gormire Lake, are designed as loops, offering circular walking experiences.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil and picturesque beauty of the lakes, especially the serene atmosphere of Gormire Lake and the 'Impressionistic' blue waters of Lower Fish Pond on sunny days. The opportunity for wild swimming in Gormire Lake and the well-managed paths for walking are also highly appreciated.
While specific parking details for each lake are not always listed, areas popular for hiking and visiting natural sites like Gormire Lake and Cod Beck Reservoir typically have designated parking areas or roadside parking options nearby. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Cod Beck Reservoir is a man-made body of water named after the river that feeds it. It's particularly known for its 1.5-mile circular walking path, which provides a pleasant stroll through moorland and woodlands, making it a popular spot for walkers.
Beyond the main lakes, the area also features charming smaller water bodies. Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods are picturesque spots with well-managed paths. Additionally, Nettle Dale ponds offer beautiful stretches of water, often with abundant waterfowl.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cold Kirby? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.