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!
Buy Me a Coffee
Make a Donation
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!
Enthusiasm levels high on this short and sweet wander.
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 or check out the Yorkshire Water trail map. (affiliate link as an Ordnance Survey champion)
What 3 Words: sidelined.pouting.tomorrow
Toilets/ Baby Change: No
Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Embsay and Skipton
How to walk around Embsay Reservoir
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.
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!
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!
Easy peasy, and all in around 30 minutes - an hour dependant on how little the legs are that walk it!
Last walked July 2022
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.
⛵ Or boats to spot. Regular races are held on a Sunday morning.
🧒 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!
Helpful Information!
For our dedicated help and safety information page, head to the link.
⭐ 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.
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!)
We have dedicated guides for families staying in Skipton, Ilkley and the Wharfedale area, so why not check them out!
Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks
-
![Swimming in Janet's Foss Yorkshire Dales]()
Waterfall Walks
-
![Malham cove walk for kids]()
Pushchair Friendly
-
![Pinhaw Beacon trig point walk near Skipton]()
Peak Bagging Walks
-
![The Park at Greenhow Nidderdale]()
Walks with Play Parks
-
![Gordale Scar in Malham Yorkshire Dales]()
Organised by Location
-
![Walking in the woodland in Wensleydale]()
Woodland Walks
-
![Playing on the shore of Embsay Reservoir Yorkshire Dales]()
Reservoir Walks
-
![The ruins of Bolton Abbey]()
Bolton Abbey Estate Walks
-
![Leaping over the stile at Almscliffe Crag]()
Walks Under 2 Miles
-
![Child walking into a pub in Appletreewick]()
Walks with Pubs and Cafes
Follow us for up to date Outdoors Adventures!
We live and BREATHE the Yorkshire Dales outdoors life!
BEEN INSPIRED? Tag us @reluctantexplorers
Come follow our journey over on Instagram and Facebook where you’ll find up to date walk info, breaking news on Yorkshire Events, new Yorkshire Dales wild swim spots, climbing, caves and more!
Follow us on Social Media for all the up to date info: @thereluctantexplorers
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.