Grimwith Reservoir Circular
North Yorkshire
Grimwith Reservoir sits on the moors 1.5 miles east of Hebden, on a lead-only circuit with a stile-free surfaced path that suits most dogs, between Wharfedale and Nidderdale. Bradford Corporation built the first reservoir here in 1864, and between 1976 and 1983 it was enlarged sevenfold, with the water level raised by 20 metres, to make it Yorkshire Water's largest reservoir by storage. At the eastern end stands a Grade II listed cruck barn from the 16th century, rebuilt in 1982. This 7.2km Yorkshire Water circuit follows the shore all the way round from the car park by the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club. The path is mostly well surfaced, apart from a short stretch at the start and the last half mile, and there are no steps or stiles, though several gradual slopes make it feel longer than its height gain.
This is a dog friendly walk with a real sense of space, with open moorland on every side and wigeon and geese on the water in winter. Yorkshire Water asks for dogs to be kept on a lead and does not allow swimming in the reservoir, and the surrounding moor is sheep country, so this is a lead walk from start to finish. There is almost no shade, so carry water for your dog in warm weather. The car park is free, with a disabled toilet and picnic area, though Yorkshire Water has recently reported the toilets closed for repairs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Disabled toilet (recently reported closed for repairs) and picnic area at the car park; pubs in Hebden and Grassington.
- Parking
- Grimwith Reservoir car park, Yorkshire Water, free, off the B6265 next to the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Grimwith Reservoir Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Wayside Cottage - Kettlewell
Sleeps 3 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
Town End Farm - Stable Cottage
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £745 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Grimwith Reservoir Circular dog friendly?
Grimwith Reservoir Circular is a good option for most dogs, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The 7.2km circuit is stile-free with a mostly well-surfaced path and no steps, making it accessible for a wide range of dogs, and the open moorland setting gives a real feeling of space and fresh air.
Can dogs be off lead at Grimwith Reservoir Circular?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for the entire walk. Yorkshire Water asks that dogs remain on leads around the reservoir, swimming in the water is not permitted, and the surrounding moorland is sheep country, so there's no opportunity to let dogs run free on this route.
What should I know before visiting Grimwith Reservoir Circular with my dog?
The most important thing to pack is water for your dog — the route is almost entirely exposed with very little shade, which can make it tough going for dogs in warm weather. The car park is free and has a picnic area, but the disabled toilet has recently been reported closed for repairs, so it's worth planning accordingly. Pubs in nearby Hebden and Grassington are options for a post-walk stop.
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Grimwith Reservoir Car Park, Grimwith Road, Appletreewick, Skipton BD23 5ED
54.0721, -1.9038
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