4.6
(2401)
22,488
hikers
24
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Embsay With Eastby explore the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, featuring diverse natural landscapes. The area is characterized by prominent landmarks like Embsay Crag and Embsay Reservoir, alongside expanses of moorland. Woodland paths and gentle riverside routes, such as those near The Strid, offer accessible options for walkers. This region provides a variety of easy routes through gritstone and reservoir scenery.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.6
(20)
165
hikers
5.12km
01:33
160m
160m
Embark on an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike around Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church, starting from Embsay Reservoir. This route offers a varied journey, taking you along waterside paths, across open moorland, and through quiet village lanes. You will gain 517 feet (158 metres) in elevation, and the entire loop typically takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete, providing panoramic views from Embsay Crag over the reservoir, Skipton, and even distant Pendle Hill.
When planning your visit, expect a multi-terrain experience that includes established paths, some roadside sections, and rougher moorland tracks. While the ascent to Embsay Crag involves a steeper, uphill climb, the overall route remains accessible and suitable for a range of fitness levels. Convenient parking is available near Embsay Reservoir, making this an excellent choice for a quick and refreshing escape into the countryside.
This loop is nestled within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering a rewarding outdoor experience amidst vibrant green countryside. You will enjoy a pleasant stroll around Embsay Reservoir, often dotted with sailing boats, and pass by the historic St Mary's Church, adding a touch of local charm to your adventure. The wide open spaces of Embsay Moor provide an exhilarating sense of freedom.
4.3
(6)
80
hikers
4.21km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
52
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
4.10km
01:21
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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There is no entrance to the steeper part except to shimmy around fences. We thought the hike straight up was very rocky with no direct path. Muddy and slippery. We turned around when we couldn’t find a clear path at the top. I would say this is not easy. Unless we were on some other trail.
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When hiking from the reservoir side, the trig pillar is located off the main path over the side of the wall accessed via a stile
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There are 14 easy hiking trails around Embsay With Eastby, offering a variety of routes through reservoir scenery, moorland, and woodlands. In total, the area features 26 hiking routes, with 14 specifically categorized as easy.
Easy hikes in Embsay With Eastby typically feature gentle gradients, well-defined paths around reservoirs, and trails across open moorland. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from the gritstone of Barden Moor to pleasant woodland walks, such as those near The Strid.
Yes, many of the easy trails are ideal for families. Routes around Embsay Reservoir are particularly popular for their accessible paths and scenic views. The area also offers woodland walks with few steep sections, making them suitable for younger hikers.
Most trails in the Embsay With Eastby area are dog-friendly, especially those across open moorland and around reservoirs. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in areas with ground-nesting birds, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Yes, many of the easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop from Embsay Reservoir is a popular circular option, as is the Embsay Reservoir – Moor Beck Footbridge loop from Embsay with Eastby.
You can explore prominent landmarks like Embsay Reservoir and Embsay Crag. Further afield, you might encounter dramatic natural monuments like Gordale Scar Waterfall or the picturesque Janet's Foss waterfall, though some of these may require slightly more challenging sections to reach.
Easy walks around Embsay With Eastby vary in length but generally take between 1 to 2 hours. For instance, the Embsay Crag and St Mary's Church loop is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and takes approximately 1 hour 32 minutes, while the Embsay Reservoir – Crookrise Trig Point loop is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) and can be completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Parking is generally available near popular starting points such as Embsay Reservoir or within the villages of Embsay and Eastby. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.
Yes, the villages of Embsay and Eastby offer options for refreshments. You can find local cafes and pubs that are convenient for hikers before or after your walk. Some routes, like the Presat Station Cafe loop from Embsay with Eastby, even incorporate stops at local establishments.
The easy trails in Embsay With Eastby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery, including reservoir paths and open moorland, and the accessibility of the routes for various fitness levels. The panoramic views from spots like Embsay Crag are also a common highlight.
Embsay With Eastby offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring and summer provide lush landscapes and warmer weather, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the moorland. Even in winter, the gritstone scenery can be dramatic, though paths may be muddy or icy, so appropriate footwear is essential.
While some of the most dramatic waterfalls like Janet's Foss and Gordale Scar Waterfall are a short distance away and might involve slightly more challenging sections to reach directly, the general area provides access to beautiful water features. The Waterfalls around Embsay With Eastby guide offers more details on these attractions.


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