Best lakes around Osmotherley are primarily found within the North York Moors National Park, offering a blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its coniferous woodland and moorland, providing a tranquil setting for visitors. Osmotherley serves as a convenient base for exploring these natural features, with several popular walking trails originating nearby.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Osmotherley
Lyke Wake Walk — Hike a wild and ghostly part of the North York Moors
Moors, cliffs, and 'the finest view in England' – White Rose Walk
Road Cycling in North York Moors National Park
North York Moors National Park Cycle Routes
North York Moors Cycleway
Hiking around Osmotherley
Running Trails around Osmotherley
MTB Trails around Osmotherley
Road Cycling Routes around Osmotherley
Cycling around Osmotherley
Easy parking (ice cream van in summer!) at Sheep Wash, great path through the coniferous wood running along the southern edge of the reservoir, awesome views, cool breeze across the water, option to follow numerous tracks east into the woods around Cote Garth and Golden Square. Lots of familys, dog walkers and hikers - something for everyone here.
1
0
Left for the local wildlife, this reservoir's banks can be quite overgrown in summer, making it difficult to see.
1
0
The original reservoir was built here in 1882 to supply water to the villages of Boltby, Felixkirk and Thirlby, but has been reworked, and the area landscaped since (there used to be a dam here). It's a lovely place to be, and in the spring and summer the wild meadow on its banks is a very pretty sight.
2
0
An unexpected pond here on Whorlton Moor. If you're wondering who the "Brian" was or is, even Dr Google doesn't know!
1
0
This little and picturesque reservoir is no longer used by the water company Yorkshire Water for water supply; having reduced the amount of water in it, they nonetheless left it to exist and thrive. A beautiful place, and the forested slopes on the other side of the reservoir are truly lovely.
1
0
A gorgeous reservoir, within easy walking distance of the village of Osmotherley, surrounded by coniferous woodland, moorland and hills, it's a lovely place to be for walkers of all types.
1
0
on a very hot day, a beautiful view with built in cooling
0
0
For a scenic and tranquil walk, Cod Beck Reservoir is highly recommended. It features a well-surfaced circular path, approximately 1.5 miles long, suitable for all ages and abilities. The path winds through coniferous woodland and moorland, offering beautiful views, especially in autumn. Boltby Reservoir also offers a lovely setting for walks, with a pretty wild meadow on its banks in spring and summer.
Yes, both Cod Beck Reservoir and Boltby Reservoir are considered family-friendly. Cod Beck Reservoir, in particular, has an easy 1.5-mile circular path that is great for families and dog walkers, with only one gradual incline. It's easily accessible from Osmotherley village.
The lakes around Osmotherley are set within diverse natural landscapes. Cod Beck Reservoir is surrounded by coniferous woodland and moorland, which is a designated Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's a vital habitat for common toads and various fish species. Upper Oakdale Reservoir is known for its picturesque setting with forested slopes, left to thrive for local wildlife. Boltby Reservoir features a beautiful wild meadow on its banks during spring and summer.
No, swimming is generally prohibited in reservoirs like Cod Beck Reservoir due to public safety concerns. These include hidden dangers such as cold water shock, machinery, strong currents, and the potential presence of blue-green algae.
Yes, some of the reservoirs have a historical context. Cod Beck Reservoir was completed in 1953, having begun construction in 1948, and continues to maintain flow in the downstream reaches of Cod Beck. Boltby Reservoir was originally built in 1882 to supply water to local villages, though it has since been reworked and landscaped.
Beyond leisurely walks around the lakes, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including family-friendly options like the 'Cleveland Way and Cod Beck Loop' or 'View Across Cod Beck – Cod Beck Reservoir loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are traffic-free bike rides and challenging MTB trails available. You can explore more routes in the komoot guides for Family-friendly hikes around Osmotherley, Traffic-free bike rides around Osmotherley, and MTB Trails around Osmotherley.
Yes, for Cod Beck Reservoir, parking is available to the north of the site, making it easily accessible for visitors. The village of Osmotherley also offers public toilets and a small shop for convenience.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly impressive around Cod Beck Reservoir when the copper-colored trees reflect in the water. Spring and summer are also lovely, especially at Boltby Reservoir when its wild meadow is in full bloom. The well-surfaced paths make walks enjoyable in most weather conditions.
The circular path around Cod Beck Reservoir is well-surfaced and designed for all ages and abilities, featuring only one gradual incline. This makes it a convenient destination for a peaceful outing for most visitors.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty of the lakes. The easy, picturesque walks, especially around Cod Beck Reservoir, are a highlight for families and dog walkers. The opportunity to enjoy nature, spot wildlife, and take in awesome views with a cool breeze across the water are commonly mentioned as key attractions.
Beyond the more prominent reservoirs, you might discover Brian's Pond on Whorlton Moor. It's described as an unexpected pond in a natural setting, offering a different, more secluded experience for those exploring the moorland.


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