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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Hambleton

Osmotherley

Top 4 Lakes around Osmotherley

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.

Best lakes around Osmotherley

  • The most popular lakes is Cod Beck Reservoir, an other man-made lake named after the river that feeds it. A circular path of approximately 1.5 miles encircles the reservoir, offering a gentle stroll for various abilities. It is a favored spot for family friendly walks Osmotherley and dog friendly trails Osmotherley.
  • Another must-see spot is Upper Oakdale Reservoir, an other man-made lake. This picturesque reservoir is no longer used for water supply, allowing local wildlife to thrive. Visitors can expect a beautiful place with forested slopes.
  • Visitors also love Boltby Reservoir, an other man-made lake. The original reservoir was built in 1882 and has since been reworked and landscaped. It is a lovely place, especially in spring and summer when the wild meadow on its banks is a pretty sight.
  • Osmotherley is known for its man-made reservoirs and natural ponds. These offer a variety of landscapes to explore, from tranquil waters surrounded by woodlands to open moorland settings.
  • The lakes around Osmotherley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 40 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Cod Beck Reservoir

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Cod Beck Reservoir is named after the Cod Beck, the river that runs into it. There is a walk of around 1.5 miles round the edge through the SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) moorland and woodlands that surround it.

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Upper Oakdale Reservoir

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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.

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Boltby Reservoir

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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.

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Brian's Pond, Whorlton Moor

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An unexpected pond here on Whorlton Moor. If you're wondering who the "Brian" was or is, even Dr Google doesn't know!

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Cod Beck Reservoir

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lovely trail around the water with plenty of benches and some picnic tables. also a MTB trail leading over the hills to Hawnby.

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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

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Hiking around Osmotherley

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MTB Trails around Osmotherley

Road Cycling Routes around Osmotherley

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Lyke Wake Walk — Hike a wild and ghostly part of the North York Moors

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Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

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October 20, 2024, Cod Beck Reservoir

cracking view across the reservoir

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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.

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Left for the local wildlife, this reservoir's banks can be quite overgrown in summer, making it difficult to see.

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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.

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An unexpected pond here on Whorlton Moor. If you're wondering who the "Brian" was or is, even Dr Google doesn't know!

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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.

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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.

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on a very hot day, a beautiful view with built in cooling

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes around Osmotherley are popular for walking?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Osmotherley?

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.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?

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.

Can I go swimming in the lakes around Osmotherley?

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.

Are there any historical aspects to the lakes in this area?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?

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.

Is there parking available near the lakes?

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.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Osmotherley?

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.

Are the paths around the lakes accessible for everyone?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Osmotherley?

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.

Are there any less-known or unique lakes to explore?

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.

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