Top 7 Lakes around Fearby
Best lakes around Fearby are found in the surrounding North Yorkshire area, offering access to several notable reservoirs and ponds. This region is characterized by its tranquil countryside and moorland landscapes. Visitors can explore a blend of natural beauty, historical engineering, and recreational opportunities. The area provides various settings for outdoor activities, from peaceful strolls to appreciating scenic views.
Best lakes around Fearby
- The most popular lakes is Hackfall Fountain Pond, a lake situated within the historic Hackfall Forest.…
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Hackfall Fountain Pond
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Roundhill Reservoir Dam
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Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
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The gardens are stunning with atypical, some certainly …
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Lumley Moor Reservoir
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Grewelthorpe Village Pond
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Lumley Moor was built to release water, not just store it. Victorian waterworks often reduced natural river flow. When towns like Ripon began abstracting water from upland streams, they risked lowering summer flows, affecting mills downstream, killing fish and breaching riparian rights (a big legal issue for Victorians). So water authorities were legally required to put water back into the river to compensate for what they took out. Same as Gouthwaite Reservoir but on a much smaller scale, this is a type of compensation reservoir.
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Grewelthorpe is around 3 miles South of Masham and 6 miles North of Ripon. It hosts an ancient 12th-century church and the nearby Hackfall Woods
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The small dam was originally built for the city of Ripon. These days, it belongs to Yorkshire Water. Paths go essentially around all of it, making for a very pleasant walk.
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Please note that the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is temporarily closed at present, but will reopen on the 18th April 2024. The gardens are stunning with atypical, some certainly "Himalayan" sculptures and art, massive amount of fabulous flowers, a couple of lakes, beautiful paths and, yes, you guessed it, a tearoom! Obviously, none of stuff like this is for free, so check the Garden's website for entry fees and more information: https://www.himalayangarden.com/
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There is a valve tower here on the dam on the Roundhill Reservoir (the larger Leighton Reservoir to the north-east). The dam was built by the town of Harrogate between 1903 and 1911. The water was pumped from here to Harlow Hill in Harrogate.
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The fountain pond in Hackfall Forest is well worth finding. The fountain works from a hand pump that you must pressurize yourself. There is an information board and example of the old wooden pipes that used to carry water to the pond and fountain. There is also a small folly close by.
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A stunning garden, with some unusual and interesting Sculptures. One of the highlights of our holiday and highly recommended.
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Lovely garden and sculpture trail hidden in a steep valley. Reasonable climb up from Ripon. But once you get there you can refresh at the cafe and have a wander through the trees, enter Himalayan huts, spot sculptures and chill by the lakes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes and reservoirs to visit around Fearby?
The area around Fearby offers several notable lakes and reservoirs. Among the most popular are Hackfall Fountain Pond, known for its unique hand-pumped fountain, Roundhill Reservoir, offering dramatic moorland landscapes, and Lumley Moor Reservoir, ideal for pleasant walks.
Are there family-friendly lakes or attractions near Fearby?
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Hackfall Fountain Pond in Hackfall Forest is family-friendly, featuring an interactive hand-pumped fountain. Lumley Moor Reservoir offers accessible paths for leisurely family strolls. Additionally, the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, which includes a couple of lakes, is a great family-friendly option with stunning gardens and sculptures (check their website for opening times and entry fees).
What kind of historical features can I find at the lakes around Fearby?
The lakes in this region often blend natural beauty with historical engineering. Roundhill Reservoir and its dam (Roundhill Reservoir Dam) were constructed between 1903 and 1911 to supply water to Harrogate, featuring a valve tower and an intriguing stone sighting tower. At Hackfall Fountain Pond, you can learn about the old wooden pipes that once carried water and see a small folly nearby.
Are there good walking trails around Lumley Moor Reservoir?
Yes, Lumley Moor Reservoir is particularly well-suited for walkers. Paths extend essentially all around the reservoir, making for a very pleasant and accessible stroll in a peaceful atmosphere.
What makes Hackfall Fountain Pond a unique place to visit?
Hackfall Fountain Pond is unique because it features a hand-pumped fountain that visitors can operate themselves. There's also an information board detailing the old wooden pipes that once supplied water to the pond and fountain, adding a historical and interactive element to your visit within the historic Hackfall Forest.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Fearby?
The area around Fearby's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring bicycle. For those who enjoy running, there are several running trails, such as the 'The Druid's Plantation & Knowle Wood loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore MTB trails like the 'Swinton Bivouac loop'.
What can I expect when visiting Roundhill Reservoir?
Roundhill Reservoir offers a lonely and beautifully desolate spot on the moors west of Masham. It's known for its dramatic moorland landscapes and historical engineering, including a valve tower on the dam and a stone sighting tower used during its construction between 1903 and 1911. It's ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic views.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes around Fearby?
While Fearby itself is a small village, the nearby town of Masham offers amenities including pubs and cafes. For example, the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, which features lakes, also has a tearoom on site.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Fearby?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical interest. The interactive hand-pumped fountain at Hackfall Fountain Pond is a highlight, as is the dramatic, desolate moorland setting of Roundhill Reservoir. The peaceful atmosphere and pleasant walking paths around Lumley Moor Reservoir are also highly valued.
Is there parking available at the lakes near Fearby?
Parking is generally available near the popular lakes and reservoirs in the area, though specific details can vary. For locations like Roundhill Reservoir, Lumley Moor Reservoir, and Hackfall Fountain Pond, visitors typically find designated parking areas or roadside spots suitable for accessing the sites.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Fearby?
The lakes around Fearby offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to areas like Hackfall Forest. Even in winter, the moorland landscapes around reservoirs like Roundhill Reservoir can offer a dramatic and solitary experience, though appropriate clothing is recommended.
Most popular attractions around Fearby
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