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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Harrogate

Felliscliffe

Attractions and Places To See around Felliscliffe - Top 20

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Felliscliffe

  • The most popular attractions is Fewston Reservoir Circular Path, a viewpoint and trail that offers well-maintained paths for walking. This 6 km route provides views and a sense of tranquility in the Washburn Valley.
  • Another must-see spot is Dob Park Bridge, a Grade II-listed historical bridge. This classic packhorse crossing is situated in the picturesque Washburn Valley within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Visitors also love Brimham Rocks, a natural monument featuring striking rock formations. These formations were sculpted by millions of years of natural erosion and are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
  • Felliscliffe is known for natural features like reservoirs and rock formations, as well as historical landmarks such as listed buildings and bridges. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from tranquil walks to unique geological sites.
  • The attractions around Felliscliffe are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 95 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Fewston Reservoir Circular Path

Highlight • Viewpoint

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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Dob Park Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

In the blissfully serene Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this classic packhorse crossing is a favourite of walkers. It occupies a particularly picturesque setting in the Washburn Valley, a gorgeous place for a ramble. The bridge is Grade II-listed and offers a glimpse back to a bygone era.

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Brimham Rocks

Highlight • Natural Monument

The breathtakingly-beautiful rock formations of Brimham Rocks were created by an enormous river some 350 million years ago. They have since been shaped by millions of years worth of wind, rain, ice, and snow to create striking rock formations, many of which resemble familiar things. Brimham Rocks and its heather moorland are both Sites of Special Scientific Interest, managed by the National Trust.

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Thruscross Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

When the mist is low and a chill creeps on the wind, Thruscross Reservoir can be a particularly ghostly place to be. This is possibly due to the condemned village of West End, which was submerged when the reservoir was constructed in the 1960s. The remains of the flax mill can still be seen, while when the water level is low, other ruined buildings rise from the water like apparitions.

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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Lindley Wood Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

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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Tips from the Community

RichD
June 1, 2025, Brimham Rocks

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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It gets busy - weekdays are best.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Felliscliffe?

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.

Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites near Felliscliffe?

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.

What are some family-friendly activities in the Felliscliffe area?

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.

Are there good walking or hiking trails around Felliscliffe?

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.

Can I find dog-friendly places to visit near 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.

What are the options for cycling or mountain biking near Felliscliffe?

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.

Where can I find amenities like cafes or visitor centers near the main attractions?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit Felliscliffe for outdoor activities?

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.

What makes Fewston Reservoir a popular spot for walkers?

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.

Are there any unique geological features to see in the area?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Felliscliffe?

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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