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.
Take in the views
This varied walk takes you on a journey through pleasant fields and woodland. Along the way, you will get impressive views across Swinsty Reservoir and an excellent vantage point over John O’Gaunt and Beaver Dyke reservoirs.
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
Less than 10 miles west of Harrogate and north of Otley, near Fewston.
Difficulty
4 out of 4
Route length
4.25 miles
Walking time
3 hours
Terrain & gradient
Varied, including uneven terrain, undefined footpaths and some steeper sections and stiles. Parts of the route can be boggy after periods of heavy rainfall.
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 Swinsty 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 |
|
|
| 6.2 miles | 3 out of 4 |
|
|
| 3 miles | 1 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.
