Best attractions and places to see around Felliscliffe, located in North Yorkshire, encompass a variety of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The region features the serene Washburn Valley and parts of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore ancient rock formations, tranquil reservoirs, and historic structures. The area offers a blend of natural landscapes and architectural heritage for exploration.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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If you can stomach getting up very early for hikes and runs, then you will have the place to yourself. Absolutely stunning at around 6-7am in the early morning May sunshine.
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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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Dob Park Bridge spans the River Washburn. The bridge carried the routeway from Dob Park Mill and probably Dob Park Lodge across the river to Norwood and Fewston. It is narrow in width and was intended to carry horses loaded with panniers across the water.
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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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Here in the Washburn Valley are two reservoirs right next to each other, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs. You can walk around both of them or just do a solo jaunt around one. The walk around Fewston reservoir is less obstructed than Swinsty and is the better of the two walks. The Fewston Path goes for 3.7 miles (6 km) around the reservoir on well-maintained paths that, on a sunny day, will give you super nice views along with a good dose of peace and tranquillity.
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A fantastic National Trust site, where the main attraction is the staggering rock formations. It is also worthwhile walking through the woodlands especially when the Bluebells are in season.
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Felliscliffe is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the unique rock formations at Brimham Rocks, which were sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The tranquil Fewston Reservoir Circular Path offers pleasant views and a sense of peace. Another scenic spot is Thruscross Reservoir, known for its remote location and moorland backdrop, where you might even spot the remains of a submerged village when water levels are low. The River Wharfe and its dramatic feature, 'The Strid', also offer a powerful natural spectacle.
Yes, the area boasts several historical sites. The Grade II-listed Dob Park Bridge is a classic packhorse crossing in a picturesque setting. Within Felliscliffe parish, you'll find ten listed buildings, primarily historic houses and farmhouses, showcasing the area's architectural heritage. For more information on these, you can refer to Listed buildings in Felliscliffe. Further afield, but within reasonable distance, are English Heritage sites like St Mary's Church, Studley Royal, the ruins of Spofforth Castle, and Aldborough Roman Site.
Many attractions around Felliscliffe are suitable for families. Brimham Rocks is a fantastic place for children to explore the unusual rock formations, many of which resemble familiar objects. The Fewston Reservoir Circular Path offers an easy, well-maintained walk that families can enjoy together. The Brimham Rocks Visitor Centre also provides facilities and information for a comfortable family visit.
The Felliscliffe area is excellent for walking. The Fewston Reservoir Circular Path is a popular 6 km route on well-maintained paths. You can also explore the more remote Thruscross Reservoir, which offers a scenic 5-mile circular route. For more options, you can find a variety of easy hikes in the region, including routes like 'View of Gouthwaite Reservoir – John O'Gaunt's Castle Ruins loop from Norwood' or 'Old Stone Bridge loop from Hampsthwaite'. Discover more hiking trails at Easy hikes around Felliscliffe.
Yes, many outdoor attractions in the Felliscliffe area are dog-friendly. Both Fewston Reservoir Circular Path and Thruscross Reservoir are popular choices for walks with dogs, offering wide paths and scenic views. Always ensure dogs are kept on leads where necessary, especially around wildlife or livestock.
The region around Felliscliffe offers various cycling opportunities. For mountain biking, you can explore trails such as 'Top of the descent at Timble loop from Lindley Wood Reservoir' or 'Denton Moor – Red Gate Trail loop from Blubberhouses'. If you prefer gravel biking, routes like 'Bilton Greenway – Ripley Castle Waterfall loop from Bishop Thornton' are available. You can find more details on these routes at MTB Trails around Felliscliffe and Gravel biking around Felliscliffe.
Near Brimham Rocks, you'll find the Brimham Rocks Visitor Centre, which includes a cafe serving drinks, snacks, and cakes. For those exploring the reservoirs, there are often cafes and pubs in nearby villages like Blubberhouses or Fewston, offering places to rest and refuel.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities around Felliscliffe, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the reservoirs and Brimham Rocks can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering a unique, tranquil atmosphere, especially when the mist hangs low over Thruscross Reservoir.
Fewston Reservoir is popular due to its well-maintained 6 km circular path, offering pleasant views and a sense of tranquility. It's often considered the better of the two Washburn Valley reservoirs for walking, with fewer obstructions than Swinsty. Benches are periodically placed along the eastern side, providing spots to rest and admire the scenery.
Absolutely. The most prominent geological feature is Brimham Rocks, a natural monument with breathtaking rock formations. These were formed by an ancient river 350 million years ago and have been sculpted by millions of years of natural erosion into striking shapes. The site and its surrounding heather moorland are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Visitors particularly enjoy the serene beauty of the Washburn Valley, the unique geological formations at Brimham Rocks, and the peaceful walks around the reservoirs like Fewston Reservoir. The blend of natural landscapes and historical elements, such as Dob Park Bridge, offers a diverse and engaging experience for those exploring the area.


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