Embsay Reservoir - Image 1
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Embsay Reservoir

4.9
·56 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene Yorkshire Dales gem offering easy walks, stunning views, and watersports amidst pastoral beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Mild weather, vibrant scenery

CrowdLow
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Embsay Reservoir - Image 1

Embsay Reservoir

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Mild weather, vibrant scenery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Yorkshire Dales gem offering easy walks, stunning views, and watersports amidst pastoral beauty.

4.9
(56 reviews)

"Lovely reservoir easy to walk around and surrounded by Dales views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the reservoir walk and especially if climbing Embsay Crag.

🚗 Ample Parking Available

A good-sized car park makes starting your visit easy.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Reservoir Walk

Scenic Reservoir Walk

Around the reservoir perimeter

An easy, picturesque 1-mile loop offering lovely Dales views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Embsay Crag Ascent

Embsay Crag Ascent

Adjacent to the reservoir

Challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding moorland and valleys.

Watersports Fun

Watersports Fun

Reservoir surface

Learn to sail or enjoy other water activities in a beautiful, serene setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors: Best Times to Visit

Embsay Reservoir offers stunning Dales views year-round. For the best walking experience, aim for spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. If you're interested in watersports, summer mornings are ideal for calm conditions. Consider weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you prefer a more tranquil visit.

Getting Around Embsay Reservoir

A large car park is available, making it easy to start your adventure. While public transport options are limited, the reservoir is a short drive from Skipton, which has good bus and train connections. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in places, especially if you venture onto Embsay Crag.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Mild weather, vibrant scenery
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters for watersports
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#ad I had a fantastic time at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway. Tickets for the Afternoon Tea Train can be found on Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway’s website!
@francis.bourgeois
50.1K likes • 623.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the reservoir walk and especially if climbing Embsay Crag. InstagramReddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

A good-sized car park makes starting your visit easy. Reddit

📍Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. #polarexpress #polarexpress #polarexpressuk #christmas #daysout #daysoutwithkids #kidsdayout
@louannn_x
3.1K likes • 239.7K views
Embsay crag . Near Skipton 🇬🇧⛰️ #skipton #embsaycrag #view #beautiful #embsayreservoir #longwalk #uk #5kwalk #kidsfriendly #niceview #вид #горы #англия #прогулки #резервуар #скиптон #лаф❤️
marina_ssss___
10 likes • 312 views

📸 Capture the Dawn Mist

Visit at dawn for stunning misty views over the Dales. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Especially important for longer walks or climbs around Embsay Crag. Instagram

A beautiful walk past #embsayreservoir and up #embsaycrag with #mypeople This was a gorgeous walk with stunning views from the top of the crag. It involved a small amount of scrambling (which Pete wasn’t thrilled about with H on his back 😅) This 6km walk was great for the kids to run around and burn off energy - cookies were obviously a must to get them through the walk 😆 @_dawnstubbs @nature_w...
hiking_and_cancer
0 likes • 442 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Footwear Essential

Wear sturdy shoes for the reservoir walk and especially if climbing Embsay Crag. InstagramReddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

A good-sized car park makes starting your visit easy. Reddit

📸 Capture the Dawn Mist

Visit at dawn for stunning misty views over the Dales. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Especially important for longer walks or climbs around Embsay Crag. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Embsay Crag

For a more adventurous hike with incredible views, tackle Embsay Crag. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.9
(56 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Embsay Reservoir for its beautiful, picturesque scenery and the enjoyable, easy walks it offers. The accessible nature of the reservoir and the stunning Dales views are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some mention the potential for more challenging hikes up Embsay Crag for those seeking adventure.

"Lovely reservoir easy to walk around and surrounded by Dales views"

Jacqueline Green

"Absolutely beautiful. Great walk too"

Mark Stokoe

"Very nice picturesque area"

Keith B

What People Like

Beautiful Dales views
Easy reservoir walk
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited facilities on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Embsay Reservoir is easily accessible by car, with a good-sized car park available. It's located a short drive from Skipton, which has train and bus services. InstagramReddit

Public transport options are limited directly to the reservoir. It's best to drive or take a taxi from Skipton, which is the nearest town with good transport links. Instagram

Walking is the most popular way to explore. You can do an easy loop around the reservoir or tackle the more challenging Embsay Crag for stunning views. Instagram+2

While cycling is possible on some paths, the terrain around the reservoir and especially Embsay Crag can be challenging. It's more suited for walking and hiking. Instagram

Embsay Reservoir is just an 8-minute drive from Skipton, making it a convenient destination for a day out. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Embsay Reservoir and the surrounding walking areas is generally free. There are no admission fees for the reservoir itself. Instagram+1

The car park at Embsay Reservoir is typically free to use, making it a cost-effective destination for a day out. Reddit

As an outdoor natural area, Embsay Reservoir does not have set opening or closing times. It is accessible at all hours, though visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

Yes, activities like sailing and other watersports can be booked through local providers or clubs that operate on the reservoir. It's advisable to check their specific booking procedures and availability. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome at Embsay Reservoir, but it's important to keep them under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Always check local signage for specific rules. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attractions are the beautiful walking routes around the reservoir and up Embsay Crag, offering stunning Dales views and a peaceful natural environment. InstagramReddit+1

The walk around the reservoir is approximately 1 mile and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace. Reddit

Facilities are limited directly at the reservoir. The nearby town of Skipton offers cafes and amenities, and some visitors mention stopping at Billy Bob's Parlour. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The reservoir offers picturesque scenes, especially at dawn with mist, and the views from Embsay Crag are fantastic for landscape photography. InstagramReddit

You can expect to see various bird species around the reservoir. The surrounding Dales landscape also supports diverse wildlife. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Embsay Reservoir. Visitors often head to nearby Skipton for a wide range of cafes and restaurants. Instagram

Yes, Embsay Reservoir is a great spot for a picnic. There are scenic areas around the reservoir where you can enjoy your own food. Instagram

Billy Bob's Parlour is a popular nearby family-friendly destination mentioned by visitors. Skipton also offers numerous pubs, shops, and cafes. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Dawn is particularly magical with low-lying mist blanketing the hills, creating a serene atmosphere. Golden hour in the late afternoon also offers beautiful light. Reddit

The reservoir itself, especially with reflections on calm days, and the panoramic views from the top of Embsay Crag are prime photography locations. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is recommended for dawn or dusk shots. TikTok

Look for reflections on the water, the dramatic landscapes from Embsay Crag, and the changing light throughout the day. Wildlife, such as birds, can also be interesting subjects. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Embsay Reservoir is a fantastic spot for families. The easy 1-mile walk around the reservoir is perfect for little legs to explore and burn off energy. Instagram+1 The open spaces provide plenty of room for children to play safely. For a treat, consider a visit to the nearby Billy Bob's Parlour, a popular family-friendly destination mentioned by visitors. TikTokInstagram

While the reservoir itself is calm, keep a close eye on children near the water. The climb up Embsay Crag might be a bit challenging for very young children, but the main reservoir walk is very accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Pack snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy on their adventure.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and hikers, Embsay Reservoir offers a peaceful and accessible escape. The well-defined 1-mile loop is perfect for a contemplative walk, allowing you to soak in the serene Dales scenery at your own pace. InstagramReddit The availability of a good car park makes it easy to start your journey. Reddit

If you're seeking more of a challenge, the hike up Embsay Crag provides a rewarding climb with spectacular views, offering a sense of accomplishment. Instagram+1 The area is generally safe and welcoming, making it a great choice for a solo adventure in the Yorkshire countryside.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will be drawn to Embsay Reservoir for its diverse visual appeal. The tranquil waters offer opportunities for stunning reflections, especially during the calm mornings. Instagram+1 The surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape provides a picturesque backdrop, with rolling hills and open skies. InstagramReddit

For dramatic and atmospheric shots, aim for dawn, when mist often settles over the valleys, creating a magical scene. Reddit The ascent to Embsay Crag rewards photographers with sweeping panoramic views, ideal for capturing the vastness of the countryside. Instagram Don't forget to experiment with different times of day to capture the changing light and moods of this beautiful location.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Walking and Hiking Adventures

Embsay Reservoir is a haven for walkers and hikers, offering a variety of routes to suit different fitness levels. The most popular is the easy 1-mile loop around the reservoir itself, providing gentle exercise and lovely pastoral views. This is perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed stroll. InstagramReddit

For a more challenging and rewarding experience, Embsay Crag beckons. Ascending the crag offers stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. This hike involves some scrambling and can be a good workout, with visitors noting the rewarding views from the top. Instagram+2

When planning your walk, remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially for the crag, and consider bringing water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The varied terrain ensures there's a walk for everyone, from a leisurely amble to a more vigorous climb.

Watersports and Activities

Embsay Reservoir is not just for walking; it's also a hub for various watersports. The calm waters make it an ideal location for learning to sail, with local clubs and providers offering lessons and opportunities for enthusiasts. Reddit

Beyond sailing, other water-based activities may be available, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the reservoir during warmer months. Summer mornings are often recommended for the best conditions, offering a peaceful environment on the water. Instagram

While specific booking details for watersports should be confirmed with local operators, the reservoir provides a beautiful and accessible setting for those looking to get out on the water and enjoy a different perspective of the Dales landscape.

Photography Opportunities

Photographers will find Embsay Reservoir a delightful subject, offering a range of scenic opportunities. The reservoir itself provides beautiful reflections on calm days, and the surrounding Dales landscape is a constant source of picturesque views. Instagram+1

For truly dramatic shots, consider visiting at dawn. The low-lying mist often blankets the rolling hills, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere that is a photographer's dream. Reddit The ascent to Embsay Crag also yields breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for capturing the grandeur of the Yorkshire Dales. Instagram

Whether you're using a smartphone or professional camera gear, Embsay Reservoir offers ample opportunities to capture stunning natural beauty. Remember to pack your camera and be ready to seize the moment, especially during the magical light of early morning or late afternoon.

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