Image shared for Fewston and Swinsty: both reservoir circuits
Countryside Circular

Fewston and Swinsty: both reservoir circuits

Walk

North Yorkshire

Distance
7.3 mi
Est. time
4h
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates
Save for later Follow this walk

Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.

About this walk

Walk both complete reservoir circuits from Swinsty Moor car park. First follow the western shore of Fewston through woodland, cross the Washburn at Blubberhouses and return along the eastern shore and Fewston embankment. At the public junction beside the shared car park, begin Swinsty: cross the embankment again, follow the eastern shore past Stack Point, cross Swinsty dam and return through the western shoreline woods. The embankment is walked in both directions as part of the two full circuits.

Allow about four hours with a picnic stop. Most paths are broad and surfaced with gentle gradients, although Fewston has some steeper, stony sections and paths can be muddy. Use the pavement on Fewston embankment, watch for vehicles at crossings and take extra care on the short road across the eastern Swinsty inlet, which has no pavement. Keep to the paths and keep dogs on leads; swimming and paddling are prohibited.

The shared visitor car park has toilets and picnic facilities. Parking is charged, with card machines and RingGo available. Check local gate notices and leave enough daylight. Blubberhouses car park is currently closed for roadworks, so use the southern shared car park and follow any signed temporary arrangements.

Route geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors, licensed under ODbL. https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
7.3 mi (11.8 km)
Est. time
4h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

6 places
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park
Parking
Information
Navigation · 0.0 mi along
Toilets
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Guidepost
Navigation · 0.1 mi along
Information
Navigation · 2.1 mi along
Fewston Reservoir Car Park
Parking · 2.1 mi along

Terms of Service

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.