If you’re anything like me, the weekends are always earmarked for some sort of outdoor activity. At the moment for us that means either heading out on our mountain bikes or going for a nice walk. While I’d love every outing to be ten miles minimum, with vicious ascents and crazy views, my husband isn’t that way inclined. We compromise with gentle walks weekly and, now and then, I get to throw in a walk that takes another six months off his fake hips life expectancy.
Recently we headed to Grimwith Reservoir for a Sunday afternoon stroll and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for an easy walk in the Yorkshire Dales, add this to your list and get walking!
What is Grimwith?
Yorkshire is home to an abundance of reservoirs, with Swinsty and Fewston often taking the ‘most popular’ title. While they are lovely walks, they can become a little bit crowded and if you’re looking for a slightly less beaten track, they don’t fit the bill. We’ve been meaning to try the Grimwith loop for a while so when the weather finally decided to play ball, we donned our hiking boots, grabbed the dog and off we went.
Grimwith is operated by Yorkshire Water and can be found nestled somewhere between Malham and Ripon. Unlike a lot of the reservoirs around us, you’re allowed on the water here and there’s a local sailing club that you can access en route to the general car park.
The facilities at the start of the walk are similar to most of Yorkshire Water’s other routes, with a toilet block, ample parking and some picnic benches for you to scoff a sarnie or two post-walk.
The trail
Put away your AllTrails app, this one is extremely self-explanatory. You can go around the reservoir whichever way takes your fancy on the day but most people seemed to set off from the top of the car park and end the loop along dam. We followed the general flow and headed in the direction of the sailing club.
The initial path splits into two options, with the first track being slightly narrower and more ‘off-piste’. It’s perfectly walkable and easy underfoot but if you have a pram the second track would be preferable. The two paths meet up after maybe five or ten minutes of walking near a derelict barn.
The various buildings along the route are what make this a stand-out walk. Yorkshire Water has provided plaques with detailed information about the buildings, too. So if you’re interested in a little bit of history while you meander, this walks for you.
As you continue around the reservoir you’re greeted by stunning views from every angle. As well as the natural beauty of the water, you can see rolling hills, a miniature waterfall and, if you time it right, a cracking sunset.
It’s also worth noting there are several signposts offering alternative paths and routes to extend your walk. While we didn’t explore these on the day, we will definitely be back to give them a go.
The devil’s in the details
How long is the walk and who is it suitable for?
At around 4.5 miles, it’s a great walk for people looking to get some steps in without over doing it. The terrain is pretty mild but I would say if you want to take a pushchair, make sure your wheels are on the chunkier side.
In general, it’s a fairly easy walk for people with moderate abilities and we saw plenty of kids while we were there. But if your little legs are going through a ‘carry me’ phase, just bear in mind it’s a slightly longer route than other reservoirs.
How can we get there?
According to the Yorkshire Water site, during summer months the site can be accessed via public transport. But, for the sake of reliability, I would suggest this location is best served by a car.
The postcode is BD23 5ED and is a beautiful drive through the Yorkshire countryside.
Is it a good place to camp?
The spot is stunning and while you might be tempted to pack a tent or park up overnight to enjoy the views, overnight stays are a no go.
If you’re not from around here and this is part of a longer trip to explore God’s Own County, there are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding towns:
- Pateley Bridge
- Harrogate
- Ripon
- Ripley
- Skipton
Can we swim?
No. Although this is one of the few places Yorkshire Water allow water sports, swimming is strictly prohibited. If you want to head out on the water have a look at The Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club. They offer several different activities such as kayaking and sailing.
This is a great all-round walk, with smashing views, easy terrain and a variety of points of interest. Which is your favourite reservoir walk?
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