Essential maintenance which may affect your visit
We'll be closing the footpaths periodically while we work but we'll try to reopen it for weekends and school holidays if we can.
The Blubberhouses car park will be closed while we work, but Swinsty Moor and Stack point car parks will be open.
Car parking charges
We’re trialing car parking charges at this reservoir from 22 January. All funds will be invested into countryside management, biodiversity projects and our brand new Ranger Team.
Enjoy panoramic views of Swinsty and Fewston
This exciting walk takes you on a journey along the water’s edge, through pastures and woodland plantations. The route offers panoramic views of Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs from various angles. The walk is 3.7 miles long.
Facilities
Useful Downloads
Parking charges
| Time | Charge |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | £1 |
| 2 hours | £2 |
| 6 hours | £3 |
| All day | £5 |
| Annual permit | £30 |
| Annual blue badge permit | Free |
Please pay using our on-site ticket machines (card only), RingGo app or apply for a permit online.
Details
Location
10 miles West of Harrogate
Difficulty
3 out of 4
Route length
3.7 miles
Walking time
4.5 hours
Terrain & gradient
The route features stiles, steep climbs and muddy fields. The route has uneven ground for much of the walk but is a wide surfaced track between points 1-3.
How to get there
By car
The route starts at our car park at Stack Point (HG3 1SU), along the eastern edge of Swinsty Reservoir. Please note that there is a 2.2m height barrier.
From Harrogate
Head west, either via the A59 or Penny Pot Lane. When you reach a junction with the B6451, turn left and then shortly afterwards turn right onto Wydra Lane (signposted Fewston 1 mile). After about half a mile, when you reach a crossroads, turn left onto Cobby Skye Road. Shortly afterwards, at the T junction, turn left again and continue for less than ½ mile until you reach the car park on your right.
By public transport
DalesBus services 820 and 821 run to Fewston every hour on summer Sundays and bank holidays from Otley and links from Keighley, Shipley, and Guiseley.
Visitor information
To keep everyone happy and safe, please:
- follow government guidance
- don’t swim
- take your litter home
- stick to the path
- keep your dog on a lead
- clean up after your dog
- don’t light fires or BBQs.
Make a day of it
While you're here, why not try another walk?
| Walk | Distance | Difficulty | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 miles | 1 out of 4 |
|
|
| 6.2 miles | 3 out of 4 |
|
|
| 3 miles | 1 out of 4 |
|
|
| 4.25 miles | 4 out of 4 |
|
|
| 4.5 miles | 3 out of 4 |
|
More things to do near Harrogate
Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around a reservoir, a challenging hike, a bike ride with the family, a bit of pony trekking or an afternoon of fishing, there's plenty to do around Harrogate.
