The best walks and hikes around Stonebeck Up

Many popular hikes begin from the car park at Scar House Reservoir. This is a convenient starting point for several routes around the reservoirs and surrounding moorland. For walks starting closer to Lofthouse, such as those exploring How Stean Gorge, there is parking available in the village.

Yes, the area offers some gentle options perfect for families. A great choice is the Scar House Reservoir and Dam – Scar House Reservoir Dam loop from Scar House Reservoir. It's a relatively short and flat walk that provides fantastic views of the impressive dam and the water without being too strenuous.

Dogs are generally welcome, but the landscape consists of open moorland and farmland, often with grazing sheep. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead at all times to protect livestock and ground-nesting birds, especially between spring and early summer.

The paths immediately surrounding Scar House and Angram reservoirs are generally well-defined and consist of a mix of tarmac service roads and gravel tracks. While mostly flat, some sections can be rough underfoot. Hikes that venture away from the water will involve steeper climbs onto the open moorland.

While the immediate reservoir trails are quite remote, you can find facilities in nearby villages. The highly-regarded Thrope Edge and How Stean Gorge loop passes How Stean Gorge, which has a cafe. Otherwise, villages like Lofthouse and Middlesmoor are your best bet for refreshments before or after your hike.

Late spring and summer offer the best conditions, with longer daylight hours and a greater chance of clear weather to enjoy the expansive views. However, the stark beauty of the moorland and reservoirs makes it a compelling destination in autumn and winter too, provided you are well-prepared for colder, wetter, and more challenging conditions.

Stonebeck Up offers a good variety of difficulties. There are around 27 trails in total, ranging from easy reservoir circuits to difficult moorland treks with significant elevation gain. About half the routes are rated as moderate, providing a good challenge for regular hikers, while there are also several demanding options for those seeking a strenuous day out.

Yes, for those looking for a tough and remote experience, the Meugher and Stean Moor loop from Lofthouse is an excellent choice. This long route takes you across wild, open moorland to the summit of Meugher, one of the most isolated hills in the Yorkshire Dales, requiring good navigation skills.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential as the terrain can be rough and boggy. The weather on the moors can change rapidly, so it's crucial to wear layers and carry waterproofs, a hat, and gloves, even on a sunny day. A map and compass, or a reliable GPS device, are also highly recommended, especially if you venture off the main reservoir paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the sense of remoteness and the dramatic scale of the landscape, particularly the impressive architecture of the Scar House and Angram dams set against the wild, open moorland. The well-maintained paths around the reservoirs are also a common highlight.

Yes, there are several extensive circular routes. For a full day of hiking, consider the Scar House Reservoir and Bull Brae Shooting House loop. This is a challenging 13-mile (21 km) trek that extends beyond the reservoir into the surrounding high moorland, offering solitude and sweeping views.

The primary attractions are the man-made and natural landscapes. The huge dams at Scar House and Angram Reservoirs are impressive feats of engineering. For natural wonders, How Stean Gorge is a spectacular limestone ravine known as 'Little Switzerland'. Further afield, the unique formations at the popular National Trust site, Brimham Rocks, are another key feature of the wider Nidderdale area.