Sitting on the wall of Embsay Reservoir

Embsay Reservoir

Embsay Reservoir is nestled below Embsay Crag in the Yorkshire Dales and has stunning views across Skipton and beyond!

On the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this one is the perfect short and easy walk for a younger adventurer.

Where is Embsay Reservoir?

Embsay Reservoir is right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is on the outskirts of the town of Skipton. The walk takes you around the edge of the water and is perfectly short, so you can either fit it into a longer day, or you can let the youngest explorers run riot!

Beginning and ending at the Craven Sailing Club, this circular route is full of wide grassy paths and top bug hunting spots, as well as the park in Embsay village.

Grown ups will love that it’s easy to navigate, well signposted, short (to minimise the moaning time!) and ……. the pub in Embsay!

Walking around Embsay Reservoir

What are the walk details for the Embsay Reservoir Circular?

How long is the Embsay Reservoir walk? 1 mile

Terrain: This walk is well waymarked by Yorkshire Water, and the paths are easy to navigate. There is little to no ascent, it is not pushchair friendly.

Parking: Parking is free at the Embsay Reservoir Yorkshire Water/ Craven Sailing club.

Public Transport: There is a bus service that runs to Embsay check out the Dales Bus website for more information. The nearest train station is in Skipton.

Location: Embsay, the Southern Yorkshire Dales National Park

Map: Ordnance Survey OLO2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western

What 3 Words: sidelined.pouting.tomorrow

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Embsay and Skipton

Playing on the shore of Embsay Reservoir

How to walk around Embsay Reservoir

  1. Beginning at the Embsay Reservoir Car Park head right across the embankment until you reach the end, and a gate on the left which leads onto a grassy path running alongside the water.

  2. Continue along here, crossing a bridge, and follow it as it heads around the Northern point of the water. Here there are spots to get to the edge of the water to play (please note there is no swimming allowed). This is also a great place to spot bugs in the long grass and flowers!

  3. The path reaches the wall. Here you can either head through the gate onto the wide stony track, or turn left keeping the water side of the wall until you reach the sailing club. Either route will get you back to the car park!

  4. Easy peasy, and all in around 30 minutes - an hour dependant on how little the legs are that walk it!

Last walked July 2022

The play park that can be found in Embsay

What’s cool for kids at Embsay Reservoir?

💦 Places to get down to the edge of the water to play. (No swimming is allowed in Embsay Reservoir)

🐛 Bugs to hunt on the Northern shore.

🦆 Plenty of ducks to spot.

🧒 Play area at Embsay Village: What 3 Words entertainer.triangles.chosen parking for play area remit.relocated.original

🌳 What can you do to bust the walking whinge? Well why not take a magnifying glass and bug box and go on a full scale bug hunt! You can check out our bug hunting ideas over on our animal activities page! You could print off or screenshot one of our walking scavenger sheets? Or you could try one of our walking games!

Playing in the sand of Embsay Reservoir

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.

Jumping in front of White Wells in Ilkley

Want more walks in the area?

Just down the road from Skipton is Ilkley where we have a whole PAGE dedicated to Ilkley and it’s fabulous walks!

There’s woodland to explore, old ruins and of COURSE Ilkley Moor itself!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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