Best lakes around Wothersome, a small civil parish in West Yorkshire, England, offers a tranquil natural retreat. Wothersome Lake provides a secluded natural setting, ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience. Public accessibility is enhanced by a permissive path connecting to existing public rights of way. The area also offers opportunities for fishing and integrates with a network of walking trails through the West Yorkshire countryside.
Last updated: May 18, 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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Upper Lake is the smaller of the two lakes in this park. There is a well-maintained walking path around both lakes, so you can create a double loop and see all the park has to offer. The route is relatively flat, step-free and welcomes dog walkers.
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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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I went on this walk and probably wouldn’t do it again. There are a couple of stiles you need to lift your dog over. The first farm I came across had an u n friendly German shepherd dog and was aggressive towards my dog. I was walking alone so not a pleasant experience. The next farm was the most unkempt farm I have seen. There was cattle wandering in the junk farm yard amongst abandoned cars and other white goods. The mud was awful and the whole place was very downtrodden and bleak. I would not recommend this walk.
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Sunrise Lakes emerges as a sanctuary for aquatic life and wildlife, set within the captivating expanse of North Yorkshire's picturesque terrain. This privately held fishing lake doubles as a scenic stroll destination at the fringes of Kirkby Overblow.
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The track around the reservoir is for pedestrians only, no cycling !!
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Among the most popular lakes, you'll find Waterloo Lake, known for rowing and its scenic 5-kilometer walking trail. Another favorite is Eccup Reservoir, which offers a pedestrian-only track and is excellent for birdwatching. Visitors also appreciate the View of the Fountain at Upper Lake, Roundhay Park, which is part of a larger park with well-maintained walking paths.
Wothersome Lake itself is a tranquil and secluded natural retreat, ideal for those seeking peace away from bustling areas. It's known for fishing opportunities, particularly for Brown Trout, and is integrated into local walking trails via a permissive path, making it accessible for exploration.
Yes, several lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Waterloo Lake features a scenic 5-kilometer loop. Eccup Reservoir has a track exclusively for pedestrians. The Upper Lake in Roundhay Park also provides a well-maintained, relatively flat, and step-free walking path. The broader area around Wothersome Lake itself also has a network of public footpaths.
Absolutely. Waterloo Lake and Roundhay Lake are both highlighted as family-friendly. The walking path around Upper Lake in Roundhay Park is also well-maintained, flat, and step-free, making it suitable for families.
Yes, fishing is an option. Wothersome Lake is known to support fishing, with Brown Trout identified as a possible catch. Additionally, Sunrise Lakes, Kirkby Overblow, is a privately held fishing lake that also offers scenic strolls.
Near Eccup Reservoir, you can observe Red Kites and various waterfowl, including Greylag geese. The secluded natural setting of Wothersome Lake and the surrounding countryside also provides habitats for local wildlife.
Many areas are dog-friendly. The walking trails around Waterloo Lake and Upper Lake in Roundhay Park welcome dog walkers. However, if visiting Sunrise Lakes, Kirkby Overblow, be aware that some parts may require lifting dogs over stiles, and there have been reports of aggressive farm dogs in the vicinity, so caution is advised.
The terrain varies. Paths around lakes like Waterloo and Upper Lake in Roundhay Park are generally flat and well-maintained, though some sections near Waterloo Lake can get muddy after rain. Roundhay Lake also has paths wide enough for social distancing, but can have puddles. The broader area around Wothersome features gentle hills, woodlands, and open fields.
Yes, Eccup Reservoir features a track that is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route, though the track directly around the reservoir is for pedestrians only. For dedicated cycling, you can explore nearby routes such as those found in the MTB Trails around Wothersome or Road Cycling Routes around Wothersome guides.
Beyond walking and fishing, the area around Wothersome offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, such as those detailed in the Running Trails around Wothersome guide. Mountain biking and road cycling routes are also available, connecting to the wider West Yorkshire countryside.
Wothersome Lake is quite accessible for walkers. In 2013, the Bramham Park Estate opened a permissive path that connects existing public rights of way directly to Wothersome Lake and the nearby village of Bramham, making it easy to reach on foot.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil natural settings and the variety of experiences offered, from the popular rowing at Waterloo Lake to the birdwatching opportunities at Eccup Reservoir. The well-maintained, flat walking paths, especially in Roundhay Park, are also highly valued for their accessibility and scenic views.


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