Looking out from Embsay Crag

Embsay Crag

A climb up Embsay Crag is a short and easy little peak bagging walk, which overlooks Embsay Reservoir!

If you explore off the the path, you’ll also find the remains of the old weir, that creates a pretty little waterfall!

Where is Embsay Crag?

Located on the edge of the town of Skipton, the village of Embsay is the home to Embsay Reservoir. Right on the border of the Yorkshire Dales, this super easy peak is perfect for younger adventurers who want to get bagging those Yorkshire Dales hills!

The reservoir at Embsay was built back at the beginning of the 20th Century, and feeds water to Skipton, but before that, and during it’s construction, a temporary weir and reservoir was set up, just a little further up Embsay Beck. It is still there, and is a great spot to head to and explore… and picnic of course!

The walk starts and ends at Embsay Reservoir, and if you venture into the village, you’ll also find a park!

Looking down the old weir at Embsay Reservoir

What are the walk details for Embsay Crag?

Distance: 3 miles

Terrain: Easy to spot paths, some minor off path walking to find the old weir, but otherwise, this is an easy to navigate walk. Ascent is 750 feet.

Parking: At Embsay reservoir, there is a small car park.

Public Transport: Buses run to Main Street in Embsay, but that will add an additional 2 miles onto the walk. Check out the Dales Bus website for more information.

Location: Embsay, near Skipton

Map: OS OLO2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western

What 3 Words: fend.outfitter.boomer (car park)

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Embsay

Running through the heather on Embsay Cray in the rain

Walk directions for Embsay Crag

  1. Starting from Embsay Reservoir Car Park, head towards the walled track running to the left of the sailing club and follow it, keeping the reservoir to your right. After about 500 yards, turn right through the gate and head on the path that bears left and upwards through another wall.

  2. Turn right, keeping the dry stone wall on your right hand side. You will see Embsay Crag up ahead. The path is clear and easy to follow. If you want to detour to find the weir, there is a small path that heads left and up the beck. If you follow it upstream for around 200 yards, you will find the old weir and reservoir. Once you have explored, head back the way you came.

  3. Once you get back to the path, keep following it until it begins to climb up Embsay Crag. You need to keep on this same path until you reach the top!

  4. This being a linear walk, you can then turn back on yourself and head back the way you came!

Last walked March 2024

 What’s Cool for Kids on this walk?

🦋 Parts of the area around Embsay Reservoir are nature reserve so make sure you go and explore! Why not go on a bug hunt?!

💦 You aren’t allowed to swim or paddle in the reservoir, but you can near the weir! Just be mindful of the water depths and always supervise children around water!

🥪 Pack up a picnic, there are plenty of picnic spots around the reservoir and in dryer weather you can play around the edge of the water.

🧒 Head down to the park in the village! You can find it on main street.

🌳 Need something to beat the walking whinges? Then check out our walking games and scavenger hunt sheets.

The waterfall at Embsay Crag

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

⭐ Do not swim in reservoirs. The water is exceedingly cold and is unlikely to warm up under any circumstances. There is also submerged buildings, old machinery and equipment under the water level.

Flying a kite at the Barden Reservoirs

What else is there in the Embsay area?

Just down the road towards Bolton Abbey, you will find the Barden Reservoirs.

This pair are located in some of the most stunning parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and are well worth a walk around!

(Also, can confirm… brilliant place to fly a kite!)

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