This Embsay reservoir walk is a great little walk if you’ve tiny people, or those who can’t walk far. Although there is plenty of land to explore above the reservoir too, including Embsay Crag. In case you’re feeling more adventurous!
I can’t remember where we were in restrictions at this point, but I remember taking the opportunity whilst we had it, to venture into North Yorkshire. Embsay is not far from Skipton, on the edge of the lower Wharfe valley. The reservoir is owned by Yorkshire water and you can do a one mile walk all the way around. It might be a small walk, but the views are gorgeous. Embsay reservoir is also home to a sailing club so you can take a relaxing pause and watch the boats on the water.
It was rather a windy day when we pulled into the car park. We hadn’t really a plan, just wanted to explore outdoors and savour the little bit of freedom that we had. From the carpark we turned right along the bridge and set off around the reservoir. I kept looking up at the surrounding hills and thinking “I want to be up there!”. Having made it three quarters of the way around we spotted a stile that would enable us to explore the moors and hills. Taking a right, we now followed a boundary wall on the other side to where we had been, and made our way upwards towards the spectacular looking crag. As it was a spur on the moment adventure, I didn’t have a planned route, so was a little apprehensive. The kids really wanted to go to the top by this point, so that’s what we did! I’m not sure if we took the best way up as the path was a little eroded. We did meet some mountain bikers coming down, which was a little hairy!
From the top of Embsay Crag you can see the reservoir below you and miles and miles of fantastic panorama views. The wind was fierce and we took some shelter behind some rocks as we ate a snack that I had remembered to pack!
We didn’t venture any further on Embsay moors, but retraced our steps back from where we came from. We saw plenty of walkers and runners coming from the other direction, so I’m sure there’s more fabulous walking in that area of moorland. Whilst it was a baby walk for us, it was so nice to get some proper fresh air and stretch our legs. Must remember to pack a bobble next time – I was really rocking the wind swept look!
If you wanted to combine this visit with other adventures in the area, there is Embsay railway (which I’ve not yet been to), Bolton Abbey and Skipton. There is a free car park here but no toilet facilities. We had hot chocolate and soup in the car. Don’t forget your OS map if you plan to explore the moors.
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Any walking tips for me in this area? Let me know!