Top 7 Lakes around Oldstead
Lakes around Oldstead offer diverse natural experiences within the North York Moors National Park and surrounding areas. Oldstead, a village in North Yorkshire, England, is situated near several notable lakes. These bodies of water range from tranquil natural lowland lakes to those within working forests, providing various recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by its dramatic escarpments, ancient woodlands, and diverse plant and wildlife.
Best lakes around Oldstead
- The most popular lakes is Gormire Lake, an other natural lake…
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Gormire Lake
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Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve
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Lower Fish Pond
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Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods
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Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; …
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Nettle Dale ponds
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Tips from the Community
Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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Cleveland Way runs the length of the southern side of this chain of lakes, but there is a short bridleway to the north of the westernmost edge of the lakes, which takes you up a climb to Dick Wood, just east of Old Byland. Lots of waterfowl and ducks.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit near Oldstead?
Among the most popular lakes near Oldstead are Gormire Lake, known for its tranquil beauty and wild swimming opportunities, and Lower Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods, which offers picturesque scenery and well-managed paths.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Oldstead?
Yes, Lower Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods is highlighted as family-friendly, offering easy walks and a tranquil setting. Staindale Lake in Dalby Forest also provides an accessible circular walk, suitable for families.
What natural features can I expect to see at Gormire Lake?
Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake nestled at the foot of Whitestone Cliff. It's surrounded by lush woodland, part of the Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, which features diverse plant life, waterfowl, and dramatic cliffs rising from the treetops.
Where can I go for a peaceful walk around a lake near Oldstead?
For a peaceful walk, Lower Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods offers a tranquil setting with well-managed tracks and paths. Gormire Lake, accessible only on foot, also provides a secluded and serene experience amidst nature.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming in the lakes near Oldstead?
Yes, Gormire Lake is exceptionally popular for wild swimming due to its clean, current-free, and surprisingly warm waters. Semerwater, further afield in Upper Wensleydale, is also a popular spot for wild swimming, especially for new swimmers due to its shallow entry points.
What kind of wildlife can be observed at the lakes?
At Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, you can spot diverse plant life and various waterfowl like coots, great crested grebes, and mallards. Staindale Lake in Dalby Forest is home to resident mallard and tufted ducks, Canada geese, and occasionally herons, with a bird feeding station attracting woodland birds.
Are there any easy lake walks near Oldstead suitable for all abilities?
Staindale Lake, located within Dalby Forest, offers an easy access circular walk of about half a mile with well-surfaced paths and boardwalks, making it suitable for a gentle outdoor experience. Yearsley Woods, home to Lower Fish Pond, also has various walking routes, some with well-kept gravel paths.
Where can I find dedicated fishing lakes near Oldstead?
For those interested in angling, several dedicated fisheries are located in North Yorkshire. Examples include Redwood Park, Rising Sun Fisheries, Forest Lane Fishery, and The Oaks Lakes at Sessay, all offering various species and amenities for match and pleasure fishing.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes, besides walking?
Beyond walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes around Oldstead, including the 'Hood Hill & Gormire Lake loop from Sutton Bank'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many road cycling and gravel biking routes available, such as the 'Howardian Hills loop from Yearsley'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Oldstead, Road Cycling Routes around Oldstead, and Gravel biking around Oldstead guide pages.
Is there parking available for Gormire Lake?
Gormire Lake is accessible only on foot after a walk from Sutton Bank car park, which is approximately 40 minutes away. There are no direct parking facilities at the lake itself, adding to its secluded charm.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Oldstead?
The lakes around Oldstead offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the diverse plant life and warmer waters for swimming. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter offers peaceful, crisp walks, though some paths might be more challenging.
Are there any lakes near Oldstead that are less crowded?
Gormire Lake, due to its foot-access-only nature, often feels more secluded and less crowded than more easily accessible spots, making it ideal for those seeking peaceful contemplation. Yearsley Woods and its Lower Fish Pond also offer a tranquil setting away from larger crowds.
Can I combine a lake visit with other activities in Dalby Forest?
Yes, Staindale Lake is located within Dalby Forest, which is a working commercial forest offering various other activities. You can combine a visit to the lake with forest trails, cycling routes, and other recreational opportunities available within the forest.
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