The best walks and hikes around Lindley Wood Reservoir

Parking is limited and can be found in a few small lay-bys near Dob Park Bridge. These spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's recommended to arrive early or consider alternative starting points for your walk if you are driving.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Lindley Wood Reservoir. However, you will be walking through areas with livestock and sensitive wildlife, so it's important to keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where required by signage.

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. For a relatively easy and scenic walk, consider the Dob Park Bridge – Dob Park Lodge Ruins loop from Newall with Clifton. It's a shorter route that still captures the beauty of the area, including the historic bridge.

The trails range from easy to moderate. While there are some flatter sections along the River Washburn, many routes include ascents and descents through the woodland and surrounding countryside. These moderate inclines reward hikers with excellent views across the Washburn Valley.

Yes, the trail network provides plenty of variety. You can find shorter, gentler walks of around 4 miles (6.5 km), as well as more challenging longer routes. For a more substantial hike, the Lindley Wood Reservoir – Dob Park Bridge loop from Timble is an 8.4-mile (13.5 km) trail that explores more of the surrounding landscape.

The trails around Lindley Wood Reservoir are generally not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The paths are often narrow, uneven, and can include steep sections, stiles, and muddy patches, making them inaccessible for wheels.

There are no public toilet facilities at the Lindley Wood Reservoir car parks or along the main walking trails. The nearest facilities are typically found in nearby villages or at the larger car parks for the neighbouring Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs.

Direct public transport to the main trailheads at Lindley Wood Reservoir is very limited. The area is best accessed by car. You may be able to take a bus to a nearby town like Otley and then use a taxi, but this requires careful planning.

A major highlight is the 17th-century Dob Park Bridge, a Grade II listed packhorse bridge that offers a picturesque spot by the River Washburn. The trails also take you through the beautiful ancient woodland of Lindley Wood and offer expansive views across the lower Washburn Valley.

Yes, circular walks are very popular here. While there isn't a continuous path directly around the reservoir's edge, many established routes create satisfying loops. A great example is the Dob Park Bridge – Lindley Wood Reservoir loop from Farnley, which combines forest tracks with open countryside for a varied experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, which is quieter than the other Washburn Valley reservoirs. The combination of beautiful woodland, riverside paths, and scenic views is frequently mentioned as a highlight.

Lindley Wood Reservoir offers a quieter, more rustic hiking experience with varied terrain including woodland and riverside paths that aren't always right on the water's edge. In contrast, Fewston Reservoir is known for its well-maintained, relatively flat, and accessible path that follows the shoreline closely, making it more popular and generally busier.