man fishing at fewston reservoir

Fewston Reservoir Walk

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Inspiration / Fewston Reservoir Walk

The nature reserve of Fewston Reservoir sits west of Harrogate in the Nidderdale AONB. This outdoor wonder comprises 3.5 million cubic metres of water, which directly feeds into the Swinsty Reservoir.

You can look forward to partaking in a handful of outdoor activities at Fewston Reservoir. There are three walks to embark on here, such as the Fewston walk, Fewston & Beecroft walk and Fewston & Timble walk. All walks enjoy access to facilities, including picnic areas for you to stop at.

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Location

Address: Fewston
Otley
North Yorkshire
HG3 1US

Nearest Town: harrogate

Useful Information

Start point

Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, North Ln, Otley, LS21 2NP

End point

Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, North Ln, Otley, LS21 2NP

Wheelchair Accessible

Yes

Terrain type

River, Lake, Forest

Walk time

1h 44m

Distance

6.6k

Shape

Circular

Route Difficulty

Moderate

Area of natural beauty
The Walk
Directions
Facilities

The Festwon Reservoir walk is a scenic, family-friendly route, making it a great day out in North Yorkshire. Located in Washburn Valley and affording views across both the Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, its beauty is one that is truly unrivalled.

Discover plenty of opportunities for walking, running, bird watching, and even mountain biking.

This route is also very accessible, meaning it’s well suited to those with prams and wheelchairs, as well as being dog-friendly too!

Disclaimer

Sykes Cottages has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this website. However, the information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Sykes Cottages does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained on this website.

  • Wheelchair friendly
  • Child-friendly
  • Dogs on leads
  • Pram friendly
  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking
  • Birdwatching
  • Running

Directions

  1. Begin at Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, at the southern end of the Fewston Reservoir dam.
  2. Take the main road into the woods, following the left-hand path downhill and down the path running along the western shore of the reservoir.
  3. Keep following the route with the reservoir on your right.
  4. Follow the path right and down a slope towards the reservoir.
  5. Bear left across a bridge over Thackray Beck.
  6. Continue with the reservoir on your right, until you reach Blubberhouses Car Park. Follow the path on the right-hand edge of the car park to the steps and ramp leading up to the main road (A59).
  7. Turn right at the top of the steps/ramp, for approximately 80 metres, then turn right again when you see the gap in the fence to return towards the reservoir via a sloped path.
  8. Follow the footpath, bearing left when you reach the gap in the wall, (there should be a wooden gate to your right).
  9. Take the footpath through the woodland.
  10. Continue straight on and follow the sloped path.
  11. At the end of the pavement, turn right and follow the road past the reservoir house (beware of traffic). Keep Fewston Reservoir on your right.
  12. When you reach the southern end of the embankment, cross the road, and take the footway on the opposite side of the road. Follow the path uphill towards the entrance back to the car park.
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