Embsay Crag and Reservoir
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!
This route can be adapted to suit your explorer’s capabilities.
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 (just make sure you take home all your rubbish!)
The walk starts and ends at Embsay Reservoir, and if you venture into the village, you’ll also find a park!
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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!
I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).
If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!
The old reservoir
What are the walk details for Embsay Crag?
Distance: 2-3 miles
Terrain: Easy to spot paths, some minor rough walking to find the old weir, but otherwise, this is an easy to navigate walk. That said, a map is recommended. 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
The path near the summit surrounded by stunning heather in mid-summer (and rain - also typical of midsummer!)
Walk directions for Embsay Crag
Walk instructions to be used alongside a map.
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. There is a path that heads through a gate to the top end of the reservoir - this will take you around the water, so ignore that one. Head through another gateway on the same track you’ve been following since the sailing club.
The road bends round to the left, but before it does, there is a gate in the wall to your right. Go through that. You will be on a wide and obvious path. After about 200m, the path forks. The left will take you to the reservoir, but if you do explore there, head back to this main path. There is a way of climbing Embsay Crag from there, but the path isn’t as clear as the main one.
Continue straight on along the right hand fork. The path heads towards the perimeter wall of the main reservoir, and follows it. You will cross a bridge over the beck. After this, bear left following the path as it meanders and reaches another fork. Here, keep left on the main path. After around 500m, there is another fork. The right takes you up to the summit, but it is a more scrambly and steep route. The left, bends round to the left, before bending right, taking you to the summit. Less direct, but better for younger explorers!
Once you’ve enjoyed the summit views, turn back the way you came. You can head directly back to the sailing club the way you came, or after 150m or so turn left through the gate in the wall and return to the car park via the edge of the reservoir. The reservoir return adds less than 1km to the total walk route.
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.
Helpful Information!
For all of our helpful information and safety advice head to the dedicated page.
⭐ 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.
⭐ There is no swimming allowed in Embsay reservoir as the water is used by the sailing club.
Staying in the Skipton area?
We have a Visit with Kids guide to provide you with all the family friendly inspiration you need! Think family friendly walks, local attractions and importantly, where to find the ice cream (and the play park!)
There are three guides covering this area and the nearby areas so why not check out our…
Want to grab the route?
This walk can be found on an Ordnance Survey OL02 Explorer map for the South and Western part of the Dales.
Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey
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Leave No Trace
The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.
Should you visit, make sure to:
Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.
Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.
Leave everything else as you found it.