The best walks and hikes around Leighton Reservoir

Yes, circular walks are very common in this area. Many trails loop around Leighton and the adjacent Roundhill Reservoir, offering varied scenery from moorland to pasture. For a challenging day out, the Combs Crags – Roundhill Reservoir loop from Masham is a great option that covers significant ground with impressive views.

Yes, the area is generally dog-friendly. However, you'll be walking through farmland with livestock and across moors with ground-nesting birds, especially between March and July. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead and under close control in these areas to protect wildlife and farm animals.

There is a main car park located near the reservoir dam, which is the most common starting point for many walks. For routes that include the Druid's Temple, you can also use the car park at the nearby Swinton Bivouac, though a fee may apply. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Definitely. While the area has challenging moorland treks, there are also gentler options suitable for families. The paths immediately around the reservoir and the trails leading through the woodlands towards the Druid's Temple offer less strenuous walks. These routes are generally shorter and have minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for a family outing.

The Druid's Temple is a popular and highly-rated local landmark that is easily incorporated into a walk. Several trails connect the reservoir area to this 19th-century folly. A good moderate option is The Druid's Temple – Druid's Temple Stone Circle loop from Masham, which creates a pleasant circuit through the surrounding woods and fields to the stone circle.

You can expect a real mix of surfaces. Trails often combine well-defined reservoir footpaths, grassy tracks through pastureland, and rugged paths across open moorland like Ilton Moor. Some sections, particularly on the moors, can be boggy and uneven, so waterproof hiking boots with good grip are strongly recommended.

There are over 160 hiking routes to explore in the Leighton Reservoir area. The network of paths offers a wide variety, from 52 easy walks perfect for a casual afternoon to 19 difficult treks for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.

While the immediate reservoir area is focused on nature, the nearby Swinton Estate features the Bivouac Café, which is close to the Druid's Temple and serves as a popular stop for refreshments. For a traditional pub, you would typically need to drive to the nearby town of Masham before or after your hike.

The hiking routes around Leighton Reservoir are well-regarded by the komoot community, with over 550 reviews contributing to a high average rating. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views across the water and moors, the variety of the landscape, and the sense of tranquility.

The area is rich in interesting features. The most notable is the Druid's Temple, a fascinating stone circle folly. You can also see the historic Colsterdale Towers on the moors and the impressive Victorian engineering of the reservoir's dam. The entire region is part of the Nidderdale National Landscape, known for its scenic beauty.

Yes, Leighton Reservoir is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The reservoir itself attracts a variety of waterfowl and wading birds. The surrounding moorlands, particularly Ilton Moor, are important habitats for ground-nesting birds, while the woodlands provide cover for many other species.