Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks: Four Walks in Nidderdale

Why Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks Suit Different Walking Styles

These Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks give you an excellent choice of circular routes in the Washburn Valley, with well-surfaced paths, peaceful woodland, embankments, and easy-going waterside walking that work well throughout the year. Set in the heart of Nidderdale, the reservoirs offer calm, varied scenery that suits walkers looking for relaxed and reliable routes.

To make choosing easier, save you time, and help you compare distance and difficulty, I’ve brought together four clear options in one place. The first two routes focus on just one reservoir each, which keeps them short, simple, and ideal for easy outings. The second two routes include both Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, creating longer circuits with more variety and a stronger sense of journey.

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks: Swinsty Reservoir Short Circular

This short circular route is the easiest of the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks and suits beginners, families, and anyone after a relaxed stroll. Clear, level paths and straightforward navigation make it a dependable option in all seasons.

Starting from Swinsty Reservoir’s northern car park, you cross the causeway and follow the eastern shoreline. The route passes Swinsty Cottage before crossing the embankment and heading north towards Swinsty Hall. From here, you follow the Six Dales Trail through Swinsty Moor Plantation and return through woodland to the starting point.

Distance: 3¼ Miles | Time: 1½ Hours | Total Ascent: 178 Feet | Difficulty: Easy

Read the full route guide here:

https://www.paulbeal.com/swinsty-reservoir-circular-walk

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks: Fewston Reservoir Family-Friendly

This Fewston Reservoir route is another easy option within the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks and works especially well for families and casual walkers. Broad, well-maintained paths and gentle gradients make it comfortable and accessible throughout the year.

You begin at the car park near Blubberhouses and join a woodland path beside the northern edge of the reservoir. The walk follows the shoreline to Fewston Embankment, crosses to the southern side, and then returns along the water’s edge. Benches along the route provide regular opportunities to pause and enjoy the views.

Distance: 4 Miles | Time: 2 Hours | Total Ascent: 276 Feet | Difficulty: Easy

Read the full route guide here:

https://www.paulbeal.com/fewston-reservoir-circular-walk

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks: Both Reservoirs Medium Circuit

This medium-length option is one of the most varied Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks because it links both reservoirs into one continuous loop. It suits walkers who want a longer outing with more variety, without committing to the full extended circuit.

You start from Swinsty Reservoir’s northern car park and cross the causeway. The route continues along the eastern bank to Swinsty Cottage, then crosses Swinsty Embankment and heads north towards Swinsty Hall. From here, you follow the Six Dales Trail through Swinsty Moor Plantation to the southern end of Fewston Embankment. After passing the embankment, you continue all the way around Fewston Reservoir before returning along the northern shoreline of Swinsty to complete the circuit.

Distance: 6¾ Miles | Time: 3 Hours | Total Ascent: 438 Feet | Difficulty: Moderate

Read the full route guide here:

https://www.paulbeal.com/swinsty-reservoir-walk

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Walks: Both Reservoirs Extended Circuit

This extended circuit is the most demanding of the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks and is best suited to confident walkers with a good level of fitness. It includes both reservoirs, longer riverside sections, and varied countryside, giving the walk a strong sense of journey.

Starting from Blubberhouses, you follow Fewston Reservoir before continuing along the northern shore of Swinsty. After crossing the causeway, the route heads south across fields to the River Washburn and follows the river to Dobpark Bridge. You then join the Six Dales Trail, passing through Nether Timble and Swinsty Moor Plantation, before returning via Fewston Embankment and the western side of the reservoir.

Distance: 9½ Miles | Time: 4¼ Hours | Total Ascent: 819 Feet | Difficulty: Moderately Demanding

Read the full route guide here:

https://www.paulbeal.com/fewston-reservoir-walk

About Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs

Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs lie in the scenic Washburn Valley, just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, and form an important part of Yorkshire’s historic water supply system. Swinsty Reservoir was completed in 1878 after several years of construction by the Leeds Waterworks Company, while work on Fewston Reservoir began in 1874 and finished in 1879.

Both reservoirs were major engineering projects for their time. Around Swinsty, a temporary settlement known as ‘The Huts’ housed the workforce, and a narrow-gauge railway transported building materials. At Fewston, stones from demolished local mills were reused to construct the surrounding wall. Today, Yorkshire Water continues to manage both reservoirs as part of the region’s water supply network.

For walkers, the area is especially appealing because of its wide, well-surfaced paths, gentle gradients, and limited use of stiles and gates. Woodland paths, open embankments, and riverside sections add variety, making the network suitable for a wide range of abilities and interests.

Which Reservoir Walk Is Right for You?

Together, these four Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks show just how much choice you have in this part of Nidderdale. If you want a short and simple route around a single reservoir, one of the first two circuits will suit you well. If you prefer more variety and a stronger sense of journey, the two longer routes that include both Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs are likely to be the better option.

Whichever route you choose, the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir walks offer well-defined paths, attractive scenery, and reliable access throughout the year. Use the full route guides linked above to plan your walk with confidence, choose the option that fits your time and fitness, and enjoy exploring this peaceful part of the Washburn Valley.