Best lakes around Kilburn High And Low are found in a civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This area features scenic landscapes, including lush woodlands and dramatic cliffs. The terrain provides diverse environments for outdoor activities and access to natural water bodies. Kilburn High And Low offers opportunities to explore tranquil lakes within a protected natural setting.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Popular around Kilburn High And Low
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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Cleveland Way runs the length of the southern side of this chain of lakes, but there is a short bridleway to the north of the westernmost edge of the lakes, which takes you up a climb to Dick Wood, just east of Old Byland. Lots of waterfowl and ducks.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Gormire Lake is unique because it has no rivers or streams flowing into it; it is believed to be fed by an underground spring and drained by a limestone channel. It's also known for its clean, surprisingly warm water with no currents, making it popular for wild swimming. The lake is surrounded by lush woodland and shrouded in local myths.
Yes, Gormire Lake is a popular spot for wild swimming. Its waters are clean, calm, and surprisingly warm, offering a glorious opportunity for a quick dip, especially for those hiking through the surrounding nature reserve.
The lakes are set within scenic landscapes, often surrounded by lush woodlands. For example, Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve features dramatic cliffs rising from the treetops and diverse flora, including bilberry, heather, birch, oak, and holly. You'll find a mix of ancient woodland and open moorland.
Yes, Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve is a peaceful woodland nature reserve that includes Gormire Lake. It's known for its diverse plant life and dramatic cliffs.
Absolutely. The area offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find routes like the 'View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop' which takes you past Gormire Lake. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Kilburn High And Low guide.
Yes, there are cycling and mountain biking routes available. You can find various trails, including those around Sutton Bank, which are accessible from the Kilburn High And Low area. Check out the Cycling around Kilburn High And Low and MTB Trails around Kilburn High And Low guides for detailed routes.
Yes, Lower Fish Pond is noted as a family-friendly spot with well-managed tracks and paths, making it easy to explore. The area generally offers diverse environments suitable for various outdoor activities with family.
For Gormire Lake, a large car park is available nearby, located under the Kilburn White Horse, making it quite accessible for visitors.
The area's scenic landscapes, including lush woodlands, are beautiful year-round. While specific seasonal tips for lakes aren't detailed, autumn walks are generally popular in the North York Moors for their vibrant colours. For wild swimming in Gormire Lake, the surprisingly warm water makes it enjoyable even outside peak summer.
The nature reserves and woodlands around the lakes are home to diverse wildlife. For instance, Lower Fish Pond is frequented by swans, and the Nettle Dale ponds attract lots of waterfowl and ducks. Gormire Lake itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting a diverse range of plants and wildlife.
Beyond the larger lakes, the area also features smaller, tranquil ponds. For example, Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods offers a lovely, more secluded spot for a walk, though note that only one of the two historical ponds remains.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil and majestic beauty of the lakes, especially Gormire Lake, with its clean, warm water perfect for wild swimming. The picturesque settings, well-managed paths, and diverse natural surroundings, including dramatic cliffs and ancient woodlands, are also highly valued.


Still not found your perfect lake around Kilburn High And Low? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.