Easy hikes and walks around Thruscross Reservoir

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.

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.

Cracking location from which to explore. Reasonably well-sized car park at Blubberhouses. 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.

Delightful walk along the River Washburn between Thruscross Reservoir and Blubberhouses. Easy track to follow along the river's edge, in parts it is a wide gravel track with very easy going, although it does eventually become more of a rabbit-path, narrow in places and riddled with tree routes.

Fair sized and well-maintained car park with space for at least 30-40+ vehicles. Few picnic tables at the south-eastern end of the car park. There is also space for a few cars if you park off-road next to Thruscross Reservoir Lodge, on Reservoir Road on the eastern side of the dam, but these spots tend to fill up quickly.

If you are enthusiastic enough to walk around all three reservoirs (Thruscross, Fewston, and Swinsty), clocking in at 15 miles, then you will see that Thruscross has the most spectacular dam of the three. If you follow the track from the car park at the western end of the dam, to the south towards the River Washburn, a track that descends quite steeply, then you will be rewarded with imposing views of the face of the dam.

Different experience on each side of the reservoir. The track on the west / southwestern side is shaded and slightly elevated, running along the edge of plantations, and Scot Lane on the eastern side is a bit more exposed. A full circular route of the reservoir is around 5 miles or so.

The walk from the large car park at Thruscross Reservoir dam up the west side of the reservoir to Cloggers Lane is magical and gives far better views than the tracks along Scot Lane on the eastern side. The track meanders along the edge of coniferous plantations, giving dappled shade on a sunny day and unobstructed views across the reservoir.