4.5
(2483)
21,957
hikers
618
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Great Timble offer access to the scenic Washburn Valley, characterized by its diverse landscapes. The region features expansive moorland, dense woodlands like Timble Ings Wood, and picturesque reservoirs including Swinsty and Fewston. Trails often follow the River Washburn, providing varied terrain for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.8
(63)
960
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(48)
898
hikers
5.30km
01:24
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
50
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Some stunning views here overlooking the morrs and down to Denton
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Fabulous scenic spot for a break, however, there are only 3 or 4 tables that I could see, so being next to Fewston car park I imagine they would fill up quickly (my photos take at around 7am). There are also numerous benches along the track around the eastern side of the reservoir.
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Valve house just north of Swinsty Cottage at the eastern edge of Swinsty Reservoir dam. Presumably still in operation and working effectively. Back in 2011 the valves at the adjacent Fewston Reservoir were found to be leaking and were repaired by Blackhall Valvologists https://blackhall.co.uk/fewston-reservoir-valve-repair-refurbishment.html
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Cracking location from which to explore. Reasonably well-sized car park (about 25 spaces) immediately accessible from the A59. Head south to walk around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs along very easy and well-maintained tracks, or even better, head north up the River Washburn for a serene woodland walk along the babbling river's edge, to eventually pop out at the very imposing face of Thruscross Reservoir dam. If this car park is full, then try Swinsty Moor Plantation or Fewston village if heading south, or try the bigger car park at Thruscross Reservoir if heading north.
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Small bridge at the southern end of the dam allows you to peer over and see the overflow for Fewston Reservoir and the sloping masonry weirs that channel overflow down into Swinsty Reservoir. Great views of both reservoirs northwest to Fewston and southeast to Swinsty.
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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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Easy to access and walk along the water's edge, levels quite low in spring of 2025 (see photos).
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Quite a few opportunities all around the reservoirs to head toward the water's edge, so you are unlikely to get completely stuck if you go off-piste. In early 2025 the water level is quite low.
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There are over 300 easy hiking trails around Great Timble, offering a wide range of options for exploring the scenic Washburn Valley and its diverse landscapes.
The trails in Great Timble are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the picturesque reservoir walks, the tranquil woodlands, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Yes, Great Timble offers several easy circular walks. A popular option is the View of Fewston Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble, which is 4.2 miles (6.8 km) long and provides lovely reservoir views. Another great choice is the Swinsty Reservoir – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble, an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) path offering views of both Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs.
Many of the easy trails around Great Timble are suitable for families. The routes around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs are particularly popular, offering relatively flat and well-surfaced paths. The Farmhouse Ice Cream Van – Fewston Reservoir Dam loop from Little Timble is a shorter 2.5-mile (4.1 km) trail that families often enjoy.
Many trails in the Great Timble area are dog-friendly, especially those around the reservoirs and through woodlands. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around livestock, wildlife, and during ground-nesting bird seasons. Please check local signage for specific restrictions.
Easy hikes around Great Timble showcase the diverse landscapes of the Washburn Valley. You'll encounter expansive moorland, dense woodlands like Timble Ings Wood, and picturesque reservoirs such as Swinsty and Fewston. Trails often follow the River Washburn, providing riverside scenery and views of notable structures like the Arthur Adamson Memorial Bridge.
Yes, Narrow Forest Path – Gully Trail loop from Great Timble offers an easy woodland experience. Additionally, Timble Ings Wood, managed by Yorkshire Water, features up to 5 miles (8 km) of accessible trails, providing a rich habitat for flora and fauna, and is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Parking is generally available near popular starting points for reservoir walks, such as around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs. For routes starting directly from Great Timble village, there may be limited on-street parking or designated car parks. Always check specific route details for recommended parking locations.
Great Timble is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning when the woodlands, such as Timble Ings Wood, display vibrant golden colors. Spring brings new growth and wildflowers, while summer offers longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the crisp air and quiet trails can be very rewarding.
While the immediate easy trails around Great Timble focus more on reservoirs and woodlands, the wider region of North Yorkshire offers waterfalls. For example, Posforth Gill Waterfall and Heber's Ghyll Wooden Bridges and Waterfalls are highlights in nearby areas that can be explored.
Yes, Great Timble village itself is known for welcoming establishments like The Timble Inn, which is a popular spot for hikers to relax and refuel after a walk. There are also other pubs and cafes in the surrounding Washburn Valley area, particularly near the larger reservoirs.
Public transport options to Great Timble can be limited. While some bus services operate in the wider Washburn Valley, direct access to all trailheads might require a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes in advance if relying on public transport.


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