Swinsty Reservoir Circular
North Yorkshire
Swinsty Reservoir lies in the Washburn Valley between Otley and Harrogate, on a lead-only route that suits older dogs well thanks to its flat, stile-free paths, directly below Fewston Reservoir. Leeds Corporation Waterworks began it in 1871 and finished in 1878, with around 300 men at work and a narrow gauge railway laid to carry materials. It covers 63 hectares, and on its bank stands Swinsty Hall, a 17th century house that is still a private home. This 4.8km Yorkshire Water circuit starts from the Swinsty Moor car park between Swinsty and Fewston, crosses the embankment above the River Washburn and follows the shore all the way round. The footpaths are consistently wide and well surfaced, mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, and there are no steps, stiles or gates, so it suits older dogs and pushchairs.
This is a dog friendly walk and a popular one, but Yorkshire Water asks for dogs to be kept on a lead throughout, and swimming in its reservoirs is not allowed. The level paths suit dogs of every age, and there are views across the water all the way round. It gets busy at weekends. The car park is pay and display, with toilets, disabled parking and a picnic area, and you can extend the walk round neighbouring Fewston Reservoir from the same car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, disabled toilets and picnic area at Swinsty Moor car park.
- Parking
- Swinsty Moor car park (also serving Fewston), Yorkshire Water, pay and display, 2.2 m height barrier.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Swinsty Reservoir Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Duck Cottage - Grewelthorpe
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £620 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Swinsty Reservoir Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Swinsty Reservoir Circular is a popular dog-friendly walk with a rating of 7 out of 10. The 4.8km circuit has wide, well-surfaced paths with no steps, stiles or gates, making it a great choice for dogs of all ages, including older or less mobile dogs. There are views across the water for most of the route, and you can extend the outing by walking round neighbouring Fewston Reservoir from the same car park.
Can dogs be off lead at Swinsty Reservoir Circular?
No — Yorkshire Water requires dogs to be kept on a lead throughout the entire circuit. Swimming in the reservoir is also not permitted. It's worth bearing in mind before you visit, but the flat, wide paths make for a relaxed and enjoyable on-lead walk.
What should I know before visiting Swinsty Reservoir Circular with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead for the whole walk, and swimming in the reservoir isn't allowed, so leave the towel at home. The car park at Swinsty Moor is pay and display and has a 2.2 m height barrier, so check that before arriving in a taller vehicle — it also has toilets, disabled parking and a picnic area. The route gets busy at weekends, so an early start is a good idea if you prefer a quieter walk.
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