Best lakes around Embsay With Eastby are found within a civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, characterized by its moorland and significant reservoirs. The landscape features hills and offers wide views over surrounding fields and moorland. These bodies of water are integral to the region's natural and historical infrastructure, providing both water supply and recreational opportunities. The local terrain presents a mix of accessible paths and more challenging routes into the surrounding hills, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
…Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Originally constructed in 1864 to supply industrial Bradford, the reservoir was significantly expanded in the early 1960s to become the largest expanse of inland water in the Yorkshire Dales
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There is no entrance to the steeper part except to shimmy around fences. We thought the hike straight up was very rocky with no direct path. Muddy and slippery. We turned around when we couldn’t find a clear path at the top. I would say this is not easy. Unless we were on some other trail.
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As far as reservoir goes, this is quite a scenic one. Within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, east of Grassington. It has a sailing club and is a popular spot for walking, birdwatching and offers stunning views of the surrounding moorland and hills. Size: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long Purpose: Built to supply water to Leeds and surrounding areas
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Run round the reservoir on decent tracks or better still head up onto the moor behind to Crookrise or Embsay Crag - both great routes with amazing views
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This reservoir, which supplies water to the Skipton town area, has quite a lot of character because of the proud hills surrounding it. It is a great place for an easy jog around it on tracks and paths here, but also a good place to start if you're heading further into the hills.
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Embsay Reservoir offers a variety of walking options. You can enjoy an easy 1-mile walk from a free car park, which is suitable for most fitness levels. For those seeking more challenging routes, it serves as a starting point for longer hikes into the surrounding hills, including Embsay Crag. Various loops and trails are available, such as the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop, and circuits around the reservoir itself. The paths are generally tracks and footways, making it easy to walk or jog around. You can find more running trails in the area on the Running Trails around Embsay With Eastby guide.
Yes, several lakes in the area are considered family-friendly. Embsay Reservoir is ideal for families due to its easy walking paths. Grimwith Reservoir and Upper Barden Reservoir also feature easy-to-walk tracks and paths, offering pleasant views for all ages.
Grimwith Reservoir is a scenic spot within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, popular for walking and birdwatching. It also has a sailing club, so you might see sailing boats on the water. The reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding moorland and hills, making it a great place for a leisurely visit.
There is a free car park available near Embsay Reservoir, which provides convenient access to the walking paths around the water and serves as a starting point for longer hikes into the hills.
The lakes in Embsay With Eastby offer expansive and picturesque views. Embsay Reservoir is surrounded by proud hills, providing a scenic backdrop, and the dramatic profile of Embsay Crag is visible from certain paths. Grimwith Reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding moorland and hills within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Generally, the area provides wide views over fields and moorland.
Yes, the region around Embsay With Eastby offers various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes, including options like the 'Skipton Castle - Malham Cove loop' or the 'Bolton Priory Ruins – Barden Tower Ruins loop from Skipton'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are MTB trails such as the 'Barden Moor Descent – Barden Moor Track loop from Embsay'. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Embsay With Eastby guide and the MTB Trails around Embsay With Eastby guide.
Embsay Reservoir is enjoyable year-round. During the summer months, you are likely to see sailing boats on the reservoir as a sailing club operates there. The easy walking paths make it suitable for casual strolls in pleasant weather, while its connection to more challenging trails appeals to experienced hikers in various seasons. The tranquil setting is perfect for enjoying nature at any time.
The Scar House Reservoir Valve Tower is an intermediate man-made monument that serves as a valve tower and overflow weir for the reservoir. It presents a striking and strangely modern appearance within its natural surroundings, making it a notable point of interest.
Yes, some reservoirs have historical significance. For example, Winterburn Reservoir was constructed between 1885 and 1893 to help maintain levels on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Upper Barden Reservoir, a classic British moorland reservoir, was opened in 1882 to supply water to Bradford.
Yes, many of the paths around the lakes, such as those at Embsay Reservoir and Upper Barden Reservoir, are described as easy-to-walk tracks and footways, suitable for most walkers. The easy walking paths at Embsay Reservoir, in particular, make it suitable for casual strolls.
Visitors appreciate the combination of serene waters, surrounding hills, and opportunities for both leisurely walks and more strenuous activity. The scenic views, especially from higher ground, and the tranquil setting for enjoying nature are frequently highlighted. The presence of sailing clubs on some reservoirs, like Embsay and Grimwith, also adds to the appeal during the summer months.


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