Osmotherley and Cod Beck Reservoir Loop
North Yorkshire
Cod Beck Reservoir sits in a fold of the western North York Moors above the village of Osmotherley, and this 4.8km loop circles the water through woodland and open moorland fringe. The reservoir was built to supply Northallerton and has a quiet, tucked-away character, with the surrounding hills rising to heather moorland above the treeline. Osmotherley itself is a handsome stone village at the western edge of the moors, the official start of the Lyke Wake Walk, and has a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere. Despite the modest distance, there's 245 metres of cumulative ascent as the path rises and falls around the water, giving the walk more substance than a simple lakeside stroll.
This is a pleasant dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential through the woodland sections and on the quieter moorland approaches. Leads are needed where sheep graze the surrounding moorland, particularly near the reservoir edges where the paths cross grazing land. The reservoir provides water access for dogs, though the managed banks mean using designated access points. The heather moorland above the reservoir is particularly beautiful in late summer when the purple blooms are at their peak. Osmotherley village has several dog-friendly establishments, including the Golden Lion and the Queen Catherine Hotel, both with a genuine welcome for walking dogs. A compact walk with enough climbing and variety to feel worthwhile.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Golden Lion, Queen Catherine and Three Tuns in Osmotherley (all dog-friendly); award-winning village toilets; coffee shop
- Parking
- Cod Beck Reservoir Car Park (DL6 3AL); limited parking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Osmotherley and Cod Beck Reservoir Loop dog friendly?
This is a solid dog-friendly walk, rated 7 out of 10. Dogs can drink from the reservoir (using designated access points), and after the walk the village of Osmotherley has several genuinely welcoming spots including the Golden Lion and the Queen Catherine Hotel. There are also toilets and a coffee shop nearby, making it a comfortable day out with your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Osmotherley and Cod Beck Reservoir Loop?
There's moderate off-lead potential on this walk, particularly through the woodland sections and on the quieter moorland approaches. However, leads are needed where sheep graze the surrounding moorland and on the paths that cross grazing land near the reservoir edges, so you'll be switching between the two as you go.
What should I know before visiting Osmotherley and Cod Beck Reservoir Loop with my dog?
Despite being only 4.8km, the route has 245 metres of cumulative ascent, so it's more demanding than a flat lakeside walk , worth knowing if you have a dog that tires easily or struggles with hills. Parking at Cod Beck Reservoir Car Park (DL6 3AL) is limited, so an early arrival is a good idea. If you're visiting in late summer, the heather moorland above the reservoir is at its best, making it a particularly rewarding time to go.
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