Best lakes around Bradleys Both are primarily reservoirs, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. This locale is known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, providing a tranquil environment for outdoor activities. The area features several notable bodies of water that serve as key natural features and supply water to nearby towns. Visitors can find accessible walking trails and viewpoints around these lakes.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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There is no entrance to the steeper part except to shimmy around fences. We thought the hike straight up was very rocky with no direct path. Muddy and slippery. We turned around when we couldn’t find a clear path at the top. I would say this is not easy. Unless we were on some other trail.
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Run round the reservoir on decent tracks or better still head up onto the moor behind to Crookrise or Embsay Crag - both great routes with amazing views
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This reservoir, which supplies water to the Skipton town area, has quite a lot of character because of the proud hills surrounding it. It is a great place for an easy jog around it on tracks and paths here, but also a good place to start if you're heading further into the hills.
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This reservoir, one of the two Barden reservoirs in the area, was opened in 1882, and supplies water to Bradford. A classic British moorland reservoir, it's easy to walk around and enjoy the views. On its east side, there is a dam with a wide flat track, but all the paths and footways around the reservoir will be easy to for most walkers. Enjoy!
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This reservoir, which supplies water to the Skipton town area, has quite a lot of character because of the proud hills surrounding it. It is a great place for an easy walk around it on tracks and paths here, but also a good place to start if you're heading further into the hills (Embsay Crag is not too far from here). In the summer months, you will likely see sailing boats on the reservoir; a sailing club operates from here.
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Yes, several lakes around Bradleys Both are suitable for families. Embsay Reservoir and Upper Barden Reservoir both offer easy walking paths. Additionally, The Glen Woodland and Stream features a small waterfall and pond, making it an engaging spot for children.
Embsay Reservoir provides tracks and paths for easy walks around its perimeter. Similarly, Upper Barden Reservoir is known for its easy-to-walk-around paths, including a wide, flat track on its east side, suitable for most walkers.
The lakes are set amidst rolling hills and classic British moorland, offering picturesque landscapes. From Embsay Crag, you can enjoy stunning, expansive vistas over Embsay Reservoir. Both Upper Barden Reservoir and Lower Barden Reservoir also provide impressive moorland views.
During warmer months, Embsay Reservoir is popular for sailing, with a sailing club operating there. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes nearby, including options for touring and road cycling. You can also find easy hiking trails in the surrounding area.
The Glen Woodland and Stream is a notable spot, featuring a charming woodland area with a small waterfall and a pond/dam that eventually drops down to a reservoir. It offers a tranquil and scenic experience.
The warmer months are ideal for visiting, especially if you wish to see sailing activities on Embsay Reservoir. However, the easy walking paths around lakes like Upper Barden Reservoir make them enjoyable for leisurely strolls throughout much of the year, weather permitting.
Yes, Embsay Reservoir serves as a convenient starting point for those looking to venture further into the hills, with Embsay Crag not far away. From Embsay Crag itself, there are routes leading down towards the reservoir.
Many of the lakes in the area are reservoirs that play a crucial role in the local water supply. For instance, Embsay Reservoir supplies water to Skipton, while Upper Barden Reservoir provides water to Bradford.
Yes, the ascent to Embsay Crag, which offers stunning views of Embsay Reservoir, is considered an intermediate hike. Lower Barden Reservoir also features intermediate-level trails and viewpoints.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil environment, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and moorland, and the accessibility of many of the walking paths. The opportunity for easy strolls, combined with options for more challenging hikes and activities like sailing, makes the area highly regarded by the komoot community.
While specific routes directly around each lake aren't detailed, the region offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore cycling guides for Bradleys Both, which include routes like the 'Bolton Abbey Ruins – Barden Tower loop' or 'Skipton Castle Gatehouse – Gargrave Bridge loop', providing options for different difficulty levels near the area's natural features.


Still not found your perfect lake around Bradleys Both? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.