Best lakes around Kirkby Overblow are situated within the North Yorkshire landscape. This region features a variety of reservoirs and natural lakes, offering diverse outdoor experiences. Kirkby Overblow is home to Sunrise Lakes, a private fishing lake. The surrounding area provides locations for walking and enjoying natural settings.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Some parts can get muddy if there’s been a lot of rain, one section by the cafe is very uneven. Mostly flat, beautiful views of the lake. Very popular with dog walkers and runners.
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Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.
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Waterloo Lake covers 33 acres (13.3 hectres) and is a popular place for rowers, with a relative new rowing club that was first started in 2006. There is a walking trail that takes in a delightfully scenic 5 kilometre (approximately 3.1 miles) loop of the park and both Waterloo Lake and Upper Lake.
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This reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washbourn Valley; it was built between 1869 and 1876. The other three reservoirs here are Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston. Walking around the reservoir is a truly aesthetic, soul-beautifying experience. The green wooded banks, woodland and reservoir paths and open countryside... what else would anyone want in life?... oh, sunsets here are unbelievable.
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Just need to be respectful of walkers and dogs You are allowed to ride on the Bridleway parts bUt not supposed to around pond
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worth a stop to see the swans and signets
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The track around the reservoir is for pedestrians only, no cycling !!
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Lindley Wood Reservoir was the first of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley to be built. It was constructed by navvies between 1869 and 1876. In the summer of 2022 it dried up exposing a cracked mud bed. Lindley Wood acts to take in excess water from nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reserviors. As the country was in drought, there was no excess water to fill it.
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For a scenic walk, Waterloo Lake offers a popular 5-kilometer trail. Eccup Reservoir also features a dedicated track for pedestrians. Further afield in the Washburn Valley, Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs provide well-maintained paths with pleasant views.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, Waterloo Lake, and Eccup Reservoir are all categorized as family-friendly. Golden Acre Park, with its lake and cultivated flower beds, is also a splendid spot for families.
The lakes around Kirkby Overblow offer diverse natural beauty. At Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, you'll find a wet valley alder wood, ideal for spotting waterfowl and kingfishers. Eccup Reservoir is known for Greylag geese and Red Kites. Reservoirs like Lindley Wood, Swinsty, and Fewston boast green wooded banks and open countryside, providing a tranquil setting.
For a more tranquil experience, Lindley Wood Reservoir in the Washburn Valley is celebrated for its peaceful, soul-beautifying atmosphere with woodland paths. Eavestone Lake, described as a hidden gem near Harrogate, also offers an atmospheric and peaceful setting, especially in autumn.
Beyond walking around the lakes, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes, such as the Almscliffe Crag loop from Weeton, or the Harewood Village Hall loop from Harewood. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the Almscliffe Crag loop from Pannal. Mountain biking trails are also available, including the Christmas Tree Track loop from Harewood. You can explore more options on the easy hikes, cycling, and MTB trails guides for Kirkby Overblow.
Lindley Wood Reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washburn Valley, constructed between 1869 and 1876. Roundhill Reservoir, built between 1903 and 1911, also has historical significance as it was built to supply water to Harrogate.
While the lakes can be enjoyed year-round, spring offers a riot of color at places like Golden Acre Park. Autumn is particularly noted for the atmospheric and peaceful setting of Eavestone Lake. The green wooded banks and open countryside of reservoirs like Lindley Wood, Swinsty, and Fewston are pleasant throughout the warmer months.
Yes, wildlife spotting is a highlight for many visitors. Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve is a good place to see waterfowl and kingfishers. At Eccup Reservoir, you can often spot Greylag geese and Red Kites.
Many of the lake trails are popular with dog walkers. For instance, the 5-kilometer loop around Waterloo Lake is very popular with dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines for nature reserves.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the aesthetic, soul-beautifying walks around Lindley Wood Reservoir with its stunning sunsets, to the opportunity to spot waterfowl and kingfishers at Paul's Pond. The well-maintained paths and tranquil settings of reservoirs like Swinsty and Fewston are also highly valued for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yes, many of the lake walks are suitable for beginners. The paths around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs are well-maintained and offer pleasant, relatively flat routes. The 5-kilometer trail around Waterloo Lake is also mostly flat, making it accessible for those new to lake walks.


Still not found your perfect lake around Kirkby Overblow? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.