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
6.2 miles
Walking time
3.5 hours
Terrain & gradient
The route features stiles, some steep climbs and muddy paths. However, the vast majority of this walk is on wide, well surface paths and forest tracks.
How to get there
This route starts at our Swinsty Moor car park (LS21 2NP) at the southern end of the Fewston Reservoir Embankment. Please note that there is a 2.2m height barrier. Alternative parking is available at Blubberhouses car park (LS21 2NY) where there is a 2.1m height barrier across the entrance to the car park.
By car
From Harrogate, head North on the A61 Ripon Road towards Ripley. Shortly after leaving Harrogate, take the A59 at the roundabout heading towards Skipton. Follow the A59 for 8 miles. Fewston Reservoir car park is on your left heading towards Skipton.
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 |
|
|
| 10 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.
