Top 15 Lakes around Burley
Best lakes around Burley include a variety of reservoirs and ponds, offering diverse natural and recreational experiences. The region features several water bodies, from large reservoirs with extensive shorelines to smaller, more intimate ponds. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities and natural exploration. The landscape around these lakes often includes woodlands, open countryside, and historical sites.
Best lakes around Burley
- The most popular lakes is Fewston Reservoir Circular Path, a viewpoint that offers well-maintained paths around the reservoir.…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Fewston Reservoir Circular Path
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Lindley Wood Reservoir
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Lister Park
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Coppice Pond, St Ives Estate
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The Tarn, Ilkley Moor
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Good quality paths all the way around Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, with parking at Swinsty Moor Plantation, Fewston village, Blubberhouses, and Thruscross Reservoir dam. If you do all 3 reservoirs then that clocks in at a 15-mile route, but is well worth it. The paths around the southern reservoirs are generally wide and flat. There are benches at periodic intervals on the eastern side of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, where you can take a break and admire the views.
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Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.
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Here in the Washburn Valley are two reservoirs right next to each other, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs. You can walk around both of them or just do a solo jaunt around one. The walk around Fewston reservoir is less obstructed than Swinsty and is the better of the two walks. The Fewston Path goes for 3.7 miles (6 km) around the reservoir on well-maintained paths that, on a sunny day, will give you super nice views along with a good dose of peace and tranquillity.
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This reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washbourn Valley; it was built between 1869 and 1876. The other three reservoirs here are Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston. Walking around the reservoir is a truly aesthetic, soul-beautifying experience. The green wooded banks, woodland and reservoir paths and open countryside... what else would anyone want in life?... oh, sunsets here are unbelievable.
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The Tarn is a scenic lake located on Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. It's a great place for a stroll or picnic, or to just simply unwind in nature. Since the Victorian era, the tarn has remained a beloved destination for its natural beauty. During the winter months the Victorians would even ice skate on the frozen water.
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Located on the western side of the Aire Valley above Bingley in West Yorkshire, St Ives Estate is a country park of 217ha. Much of the estate is woodland and heath, and in these areas are various places with evidence of ancient settlements in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods. These include the “Fairfax entrenchment”, an ancient ditch named after a Civil War general but actually much older. From the 12th to the 16th centuries the land belonged to Rievaulx and Drax abbeys and was known as Harden Grange The whole estate is a Grade II listed park. The 17th century Harden Grange, the 19th century St Ives Mansion (now a care home), and several other individual buildings are also listed grade II
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Lindley Wood Reservoir was the first of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley to be built. It was constructed by navvies between 1869 and 1876. In the summer of 2022 it dried up exposing a cracked mud bed. Lindley Wood acts to take in excess water from nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reserviors. As the country was in drought, there was no excess water to fill it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water activities can I enjoy on the lakes near Burley?
The lakes and waterways around Burley offer a wide range of activities. On the Snake River, you can enjoy boating, wake surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, and bass fishing. Lake Walcott is popular for water skiing, power boating, windsurfing, sailing, and bird watching. Milner Lake is excellent for paddleboarding and fishing for catfish, bass, perch, and trout. Lake Cleveland allows non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking.
Are there any state parks or recreation areas around the lakes?
Yes, Lake Walcott is home to Lake Walcott State Park, offering camping, picnicking, and access to the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, Milner Lake is part of the Milner Historic Recreation Area, which provides day-use facilities, campsites, and historical Oregon Trail ruts.
What historical sites can be found near the lakes?
The Milner Historic Recreation Area, located near Milner Lake, preserves visible ruts from the Oregon Trail, which you can explore on a 1.3-mile paved ADA walking path.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lake Walcott State Park has camping and picnicking. Milner Lake's paved ADA walking path along the Oregon Trail ruts is suitable for families. The Snake River in Burley provides calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding, and its parks have accessible boat ramps.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Burley?
Most lakes are accessible throughout the warmer months. Alpine lakes like Lake Cleveland typically open around July 1st, offering late-season wildflowers. Summer is ideal for water sports and camping, while spring and fall can be excellent for bird watching at locations like Lake Walcott.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, surrounding Lake Walcott, is a haven for migratory birds, including hundreds of Great American White Pelicans. Milner Lake's basalt cliffs and sagebrush grassland are also home to various birds and wildlife. Lake Cleveland offers opportunities for general wildlife watching in an alpine setting.
Are there opportunities for fishing at these lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Snake River offers bass, sturgeon, and trout. Lake Walcott is known for bass and trout. Milner Lake is annually stocked with thousands of channel catfish and also has bass, perch, and trout. Burley Pond (Connor Pond) is specifically stocked with channel catfish and rainbow trout.
Are there hiking or walking trails near the lakes?
While the Komoot guide does not list specific hiking trails directly around these lakes, the Milner Historic Recreation Area offers a 1.3-mile paved ADA walking path along the Oregon Trail ruts. Lake Cleveland also provides opportunities for hiking in its surrounding alpine environment.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
For those interested in cycling, there are various routes around Burley. You can find options for touring bicycle routes, MTB trails, and gravel biking, with routes ranging from moderate to difficult.
Where can I find boat ramps and access points for the Snake River?
Along the Burley stretch of the Snake River, easily accessible boat ramps are available at Riverfront Park and North Freedom Park, providing convenient access for various watercraft.
Can I camp near the lakes in the Burley area?
Yes, camping is available. Lake Walcott State Park offers cabins, full hook-up, and primitive campsites. The Milner Historic Recreation Area has 26 campsites, some with river's edge access and docks. Lake Cleveland also has campgrounds managed by the Sawtooth National Forest Service.
What is unique about Lake Walcott?
Lake Walcott is an 8,000-acre impoundment of the Snake River, notable for its state park with some of the oldest trees in the area. It's surrounded by the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, making it a prime spot for bird watching, especially for Great American White Pelicans. It also features a world-class 18-hole disc golf course.
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