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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber

Bradleys Both

Top 5 Lakes around Bradleys Both

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.

Best lakes around Bradleys Both

  • The most popular lakes is View of Embsay Reservoir from Embsay…

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Embsay Reservoir

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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 …

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Upper Barden Reservoir

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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 …

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The Glen Woodland and Stream

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Lovely stretch of woodland with a little waterfall and pond/dam. Drops down to a reservoir. There was an alternative route that skirted the edge of the woods on a track which seems popular with mountain bikers.

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Stunning views from the top and if it is not too breezy, plenty of great rocks to perch on for a picnic! There are two routes off the crag leading …

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Lower Barden Reservoir

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Fabulous views from this stop where Far Long Gill runs down into the reservoir. This one is one of the two reservoirs built near Bolton Abbey in the 19th century. …

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Tips from the Community

Linds
October 23, 2025, View of Embsay Reservoir from Embsay Crag

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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final hill embassy crag

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glorious day for it

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embassy resovoir

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Oliver G
October 30, 2024, Embsay Reservoir

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes around Bradleys Both?

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.

Which lakes offer easy walking trails?

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.

What kind of views can I expect around the lakes near Bradleys Both?

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.

What outdoor activities are available near these lakes besides walking?

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.

Are there any unique natural features or hidden gems among the lakes?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Bradleys Both?

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.

Can I start longer hikes from any of the lakes?

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.

What is the significance of these lakes to the local area?

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.

Are there any intermediate-level trails or viewpoints for more experienced hikers?

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.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Bradleys Both?

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.

Are there any specific cycling routes that pass by these lakes?

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.

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

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