Top 10 Lakes around Alwoodley
Best lakes around Alwoodley, a suburb of Leeds, West Yorkshire, offer diverse natural landscapes for exploration. The area is characterized by significant bodies of water, including the prominent Eccup Reservoir and nearby lakes within Golden Acre Park and Roundhay Park. These aquatic environments provide opportunities for waterside walks, wildlife observation, and active recreation. The region's natural features make it a destination for those seeking varied outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Alwoodley
- The most popular lakes is Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, a lake within a wet valley alder wood. It is a good place to spot waterfowl and offers an escape into nature near Leeds.
- Another must-see spot is Waterloo Lake, a lake covering 33 acres (13.3 hectares). Visitors can expect a popular spot for rowers and a scenic 5-kilometer walking trail that loops around the lake and Upper Lake.
- Visitors also love Eccup Reservoir, a lake with a track for pedestrians. It is known for its virtually traffic-free access road, which is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route, and for opportunities to observe Red Kites.
- Alwoodley is known for reservoirs, natural ponds, and park lakes. These include man-made reservoirs like Eccup and Lindley Wood, as well as natural features such as Paul's Pond.
- The lakes around Alwoodley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 2 highlights, 20 photos, and 38 upvotes.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Lindley Wood Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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.
Tip by
Eccup Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Waterloo Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Golden Acre Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Alwoodley.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Some parts can get muddy if there’s been a lot of rain, one section by the cafe is very uneven. Mostly flat, beautiful views of the lake. Very popular with dog walkers and runners.
0
0
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.
0
0
Waterloo Lake covers 33 acres (13.3 hectres) and is a popular place for rowers, with a relative new rowing club that was first started in 2006. There is a walking trail that takes in a delightfully scenic 5 kilometre (approximately 3.1 miles) loop of the park and both Waterloo Lake and Upper Lake.
1
1
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.
0
0
Just need to be respectful of walkers and dogs You are allowed to ride on the Bridleway parts bUt not supposed to around pond
0
0
worth a stop to see the swans and signets
0
0
The track around the reservoir is for pedestrians only, no cycling !!
0
0
Lindley Wood Reservoir was the first of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley to be built. It was constructed by navvies between 1869 and 1876. In the summer of 2022 it dried up exposing a cracked mud bed. Lindley Wood acts to take in excess water from nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reserviors. As the country was in drought, there was no excess water to fill it.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Alwoodley are best for nature observation and birdwatching?
For nature observation, Eccup Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for overwintering bird populations, including Red Kites. Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, a wet valley alder wood, is also excellent for spotting waterfowl and potentially kingfishers.
Are there family-friendly lakes and walks near Alwoodley?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Eccup Reservoir offers well-marked, family-friendly waterside trails. Golden Acre Park, located near Alwoodley, is also described as suitable for all ages with parks and playgrounds alongside its lake.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes near Alwoodley?
You'll find diverse walking trails. Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park features a scenic 5-kilometer loop that includes the Upper Lake. Eccup Reservoir has a track for pedestrians, and its access road is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route, offering virtually traffic-free walking. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes around Alwoodley, such as the 'Eccup Reservoir Dam Wall – View Across Eccup Reservoir loop', available on the Hiking around Alwoodley guide.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Alwoodley?
Yes, cycling is possible in certain areas. The access road around Eccup Reservoir is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route and is virtually traffic-free. For more dedicated cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Alwoodley guide, which includes routes like 'Eccup Reservoir Dam Wall – Harewood House loop'.
Do any of the lakes around Alwoodley have historical significance?
Yes, Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park was notably built by soldiers returning from the Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, Lindley Wood Reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washburn Valley, constructed between 1869 and 1876.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Alwoodley?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring brings vibrant colors to places like Golden Acre Park with its cultivated flower beds. Autumn showcases the many heathers on display. For birdwatching, Eccup Reservoir is particularly important for overwintering bird populations, making colder months also rewarding.
Are the lake walks near Alwoodley dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are popular with dog walkers. For instance, the trails around Waterloo Lake are frequently used by dog walkers. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves like Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, to protect wildlife.
Are there opportunities for water sports like rowing at the lakes?
Yes, Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park is a popular spot for rowers and is home to a rowing club established in 2006.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near the lakes around Alwoodley?
While specific cafes and pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, areas like Roundhay Park (home to Waterloo Lake) often have facilities. Golden Acre Park also has facilities, which typically include refreshment options. For options in the wider Alwoodley area, local searches would be beneficial.
What makes Lindley Wood Reservoir unique among the lakes?
Lindley Wood Reservoir is notable for being the first of the four reservoirs built in the Washburn Valley, constructed between 1869 and 1876. It's a 'compensation reservoir,' meaning it helps manage water levels for nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, rather than directly supplying homes. It offers aesthetic walks with green wooded banks and open countryside.
How can I get to the lakes around Alwoodley using public transport?
While specific public transport routes to each lake are not provided, Alwoodley is a suburb of Leeds, which has a comprehensive public transport network. For detailed travel planning to specific parks like Roundhay Park or Golden Acre Park, it's best to consult local bus schedules or journey planners for Leeds.
Most popular routes around Alwoodley
Most popular attractions around Alwoodley
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Alwoodley? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
