Top 20 Lakes in North Yorkshire
Lakes in North Yorkshire offer diverse natural landscapes, from glacial formations to man-made reservoirs. The region features significant conservation areas and provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. These aquatic environments are often surrounded by woodlands, moorlands, and hills, contributing to the area's geographic character.
Best lakes in North Yorkshire
- The most popular lakes is Malham Tarn, a natural monument that is England's highest marl lake, formed approximately 10,000 years ago. It is an important conservation area recognized for its unique geology, flora, and fauna.
- Another must-see spot is Gormire Lake, an other natural feature. This tranquil lake is surrounded by lush woodland and is popular for wild swimming due to its clean and warm water.
- Visitors also love Cod Beck Reservoir, an other man-made lake. A walk of about 1.5 miles around its edge passes through SSSI moorland and woodlands.
- North Yorkshire is known for natural lakes, marl lakes, and man-made reservoirs. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from ancient glacial formations to modern water supply systems.
- The lakes in North Yorkshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 290 upvotes and over 90 photos shared across 70 highlights.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Whitby Harbour
Highlight • Historical Site
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Gormire Lake
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Malham Tarn
Highlight • Natural Monument
In more recent history, author Charles Kingsley was inspired to write his novel 'Water-Babies, A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby' when he visited the lake in 1858.
Today, the lake is owned by the National Trust. It's considered to be an important conservation area thanks to its unique geology, flora and fauna.
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Cod Beck Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve
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Fewston Reservoir Circular Path
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Dundale Griff
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Embsay Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Scar House Reservoir Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Thruscross Reservoir
Highlight • Viewpoint
Don't let this put you off though, as on any given day Thruscross Reservoir is a scenic place for an amble. Its remote location makes it the most serene of the Washburn Reservoirs, and it is a haven for wildlife.
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Popular around North Yorkshire
Adventures with a Purpose – our A-TEAMers’ best routes
Second City Divide — Rough Stuff Of The North
Yorkshire Dales National Park – A Walk in the Parks
North York Moors National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Ebor Way – Discover Yorkshire's scenic splendour
A Dales High Way – Hiking in winter
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
Six Dales Trail — Hike quintessential Yorkshire countryside
The Pennine Rally — Bikepacking Edinburgh to Manchester
Ribble Way — A remarkable river ramble into the heart of the Dales
Other adventures in North Yorkshire
Tips from the Community
Whitby Harbour is a historic and bustling port at the mouth of the River Esk in North Yorkshire, offering a various attractions, shops, and dining places.
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Head on out to either of the 2 main piers and experience an epic sunrise or sunset!
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Dundale Griff is a delightful narrow side valley leading down from Dundale Pond to Levisham Beck. It's an area with significant historical traces, particularly relating to medieval times, when a monastic sheep farm (bercary) was established at the head of Dundale Griff, with the foundations of the stone buildings still visible today. Dundale Pond's history is linked to industrial water supply starting in the 19th century. William Kay, who owned a silk mill requiring substantial water, supplemented his supply by drawing water from a lake at Miswell Farm and connecting it to the hollow at Dundale via a tunnel. He is believed to have constructed a dam at Dundale to create the pond. Another tunnel then carried water from Dundale Pond to the mill. Both lakes were referred to as 'balancing ponds' to maintain consistent water levels. Look out for the herd of resident Highland Cows, actively breeding and very cute small calves can be seen in early summer.
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Undoubtedly the most scenic of the Washburn reservoirs with the moorland backdrop to the north. The circular route around the reservoir from the car park is about 5 miles, the track on the southwestern side runs along the edge of plantations and offers some shade from the sun and shelter from the elements. The track on the northeastern side is more exposed, and if you do the whole circuit you will cross over Far Comb Hill and the plantation along the edge of the reservoir at Whit Moor - a great route.
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Good quality paths all the way around Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, with parking at Swinsty Moor Plantation, Fewston village, Blubberhouses, and Thruscross Reservoir dam. If you do all 3 reservoirs then that clocks in at a 15-mile route, but is well worth it. The paths around the southern reservoirs are generally wide and flat. There are benches at periodic intervals on the eastern side of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, where you can take a break and admire the views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I find among North Yorkshire's lakes?
North Yorkshire's lakes boast diverse natural features. Malham Tarn is England's highest marl lake and one of only eight upland alkaline lakes in Europe, recognized for its unique geology. Gormire Lake is thought to be fed by an underground spring rather than rivers, nestled at the foot of the Hambleton Hills.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming in North Yorkshire's lakes?
Yes, Gormire Lake is particularly popular for wild swimming due to its clean, surprisingly warm water and lack of strong currents. The North Yorkshire Water Park also offers open water swimming in a controlled environment.
Which lakes in North Yorkshire are suitable for families?
For families, the North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough offers a wide array of inflatable structures and activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Malham Tarn has an accessible 3-mile circular path, and the Fewston Reservoir Circular Path is also family-friendly with well-maintained trails.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes in North Yorkshire?
Absolutely. Fewston Reservoir offers a less obstructed 3.7-mile (6 km) circular path with well-maintained trails. Embsay Reservoir also provides an excellent location for an easy walk on well-maintained tracks around its perimeter.
What kind of hiking trails are available near North Yorkshire's lakes?
Beyond easy strolls, you can find more challenging routes. Near Malham Tarn, sections of the Pennine Way and Three Peaks are accessible. Embsay Reservoir serves as a starting point for hikes into surrounding hills like Embsay Crag. For more options, explore Mountain Hikes in North Yorkshire or Waterfall Hikes in North Yorkshire.
Are North Yorkshire's lakes important for wildlife or conservation?
Many lakes and reservoirs in North Yorkshire are significant for conservation. Malham Tarn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR), home to rare aquatic plants, white-clawed crayfish, and otters. Gormire Lake is also an SSSI, supporting diverse plant and wildlife species. The SSSI designation applies to many reservoirs due to their rich biodiversity.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in North Yorkshire?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, water sports, and enjoying the lush scenery. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter can provide tranquil, crisp views, especially at Dark Sky Discovery Sites like Scar House Reservoir for stargazing.
Can I go fishing at the lakes in North Yorkshire?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Semerwater is known for excellent fishing, with species like bream, roach, perch, pike, and wild trout. The North Yorkshire Water Park also features three well-stocked fishing lakes: a trout lake, a coarse lake, and a predator lake.
Are there any historical or notable sites associated with North Yorkshire's lakes?
Yes, Malham Tarn inspired author Charles Kingsley's 'Water-Babies' in 1858. Scar House Reservoir Dam was the largest in Britain when completed in 1936 and remains an impressive sight amidst stunning scenery.
Are the lakes in North Yorkshire dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. For example, the Fewston Reservoir Circular Path and trails around Malham Tarn are popular with dog walkers. Always keep dogs under control and check for specific signage regarding livestock or protected wildlife areas.
What is the significance of the reservoirs in North Yorkshire?
North Yorkshire's reservoirs, such as Embsay, Fewston, Swinsty, and Scar House, primarily serve as vital water supply systems for the region. Beyond their practical purpose, they are also cherished for their recreational opportunities, offering scenic walking trails, sailing, and often designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their ecological value.
Are there accessible paths around any of the lakes for those with limited mobility?
Yes, Malham Tarn offers an accessible 3-mile circular path, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors. The Fewston Reservoir Circular Path also features well-maintained trails that are generally easy to navigate.
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