Lakes around Scackleton are situated within the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire. While Scackleton itself is a small village known for its traditional English character, the surrounding region offers various bodies of water. These include picturesque ponds and reservoirs, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The landscape features rolling hills and woodlands, characteristic of the North Yorkshire countryside.
Last updated: June 2, 2026
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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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 a really gorgeous place. Right on the bank of the Great Lake, there are stunning views across the water from here, as well as picnic tables and an adventure playground for children. Peace, quiet and essentially nirvana!
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This is a lovely fishing lake right next to Birkdale Farm. It certainly offers a sense of peace and solitude here, in the lovely setting of the surrounding woodlands and hills. There is a boating hut on the bank, plenty of easy spaces for a picnic and space for parking nearby. If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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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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While Scackleton itself is a small village, the surrounding Howardian Hills offer a variety of bodies of water, including picturesque ponds and reservoirs. These range from smaller, well-managed fish ponds to larger reservoirs, though some may have restricted public access directly to the water.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Lower Fish Pond features well-managed tracks and paths, making it easy to explore. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is another family-friendly lake. Additionally, the area around the Boathouse Café offers picnic tables and an adventure playground.
Yes, Scackleton is known for its fishing lakes. For example, Birkdale Farm has a lovely fishing lake where you can hire fishing rods directly from the farm. It offers a peaceful setting amidst woodlands and hills.
You can find reservoirs in the area, such as Oulston Reservoir. While direct public access to the reservoir itself is prohibited, there are nearby vantage points that offer peaceful and serene views of the water.
The region around Scackleton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, cycling routes, and mountain biking trails that pass by or are close to some of the lakes and ponds in the area.
The Howardian Hills, where Scackleton is located, are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather ideal for walks and picnics. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, while winter can provide crisp, quiet walks, especially around well-managed paths like those at Lower Fish Pond.
Many of the paths around the lakes are suitable for beginners. For instance, Lower Fish Pond has well-managed tracks and paths that are easy to navigate. Always check specific route details for difficulty if you plan a longer walk.
Generally, the natural areas and walking trails around the lakes in the Howardian Hills are dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife, livestock, or in areas with specific signage. Always clean up after your pet.
The lakes are set within the rolling hills and woodlands characteristic of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can expect picturesque views, serene waters, and diverse flora and fauna. On sunny days, the waters at places like Lower Fish Pond can display amazingly blue colors.
Yes, for example, the Boathouse Café is situated right on the bank of a Great Lake, offering stunning views, picnic tables, and refreshments. Other lakes, like the one at Birkdale Farm, provide easy spaces for a picnic.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and picturesque settings. Many enjoy the well-managed tracks for walking, the serene atmosphere, and the opportunity to connect with nature. The beautiful blue colors of the water on sunny days at places like Lower Fish Pond are also frequently mentioned.


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