North York Moors National Park
North York Moors National Park
Top 13 Lakes in North York Moors National Park
Best lakes in North York Moors National Park are primarily man-made reservoirs, with some natural lakes, reflecting the area's limestone geology. The park is characterized by expansive heather moorland and diverse landscapes. These water bodies offer various experiences for visitors, from tranquil natural settings to recreational hubs. The region provides opportunities for exploring both its unique geology and its managed water resources.
Best lakes in North York Moors National Park
- The most popular lakes is Gormire Lake, an other_natural lake surrounded by lush woodland and dramatic cliffs. It is known for its clean, warm water, making it popular for wild swimming.
- Another must-see spot is Cod Beck Reservoir, an other_man_made reservoir located in a quieter part of the North York Moors. It offers a pleasant setting for walks, with paths providing views across the low hills and green fields.
- Visitors also love Staindale Lake, a family_friendly lake easily accessible with a car park beside its waters. Its location within Dalby Forest provides access to numerous tracks for cycling and walking.
- North York Moors National Park is known for both natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. This variety offers diverse experiences, from serene wild swimming spots to active recreational areas.
- The lakes in North York Moors National Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and 40 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Gormire Lake
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Cod Beck Reservoir
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Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve
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Dundale Griff
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Staindale Lake
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Tips from the Community
Dundale Griff is a delightful narrow side valley leading down from Dundale Pond to Levisham Beck. It's an area with significant historical traces, particularly relating to medieval times, when a monastic sheep farm (bercary) was established at the head of Dundale Griff, with the foundations of the stone buildings still visible today. Dundale Pond's history is linked to industrial water supply starting in the 19th century. William Kay, who owned a silk mill requiring substantial water, supplemented his supply by drawing water from a lake at Miswell Farm and connecting it to the hollow at Dundale via a tunnel. He is believed to have constructed a dam at Dundale to create the pond. Another tunnel then carried water from Dundale Pond to the mill. Both lakes were referred to as 'balancing ponds' to maintain consistent water levels. Look out for the herd of resident Highland Cows, actively breeding and very cute small calves can be seen in early summer.
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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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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A very obvious place to stop; you won't need me to tell you that, as you will see the lake from the Dalby Forest Drive road, and you will want to immediately make a stop and look at it! Staindale Lake has a car park area, so it's easy to leave your bike here and have a look at the beautiful waters of the lake and spot some of the wildlife around here.
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A lovely little lake, with a useful car park right next to it. Right in the middle of Dalby Forest, of course, with all its tracks to run on, and Bridestones Nature Reserve is close by as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in North York Moors National Park?
The North York Moors National Park features a mix of natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. Due to the area's limestone geology, many water bodies are reservoirs, offering diverse experiences from tranquil natural settings to active recreational areas.
Which lakes are best for wild swimming in the North York Moors?
For wild swimming, Gormire Lake is highly recommended. It's known for its clean, surprisingly warm water and lack of currents, making it a popular spot for a refreshing dip amidst lush woodland and dramatic cliffs.
Are there any family-friendly lakes with easy access in the North York Moors?
Yes, Staindale Lake is an excellent choice for families. It's easily accessible with a car park right beside its waters, located within Dalby Forest, which offers numerous tracks for walking and cycling. You can also spot abundant wildlife around the lake.
Where can I go for a peaceful walk around a lake in the North York Moors?
Cod Beck Reservoir offers a pleasant setting for an afternoon stroll. Located in a quieter part of the North York Moors, it has paths and quiet roads providing great views across low hills and green fields, ideal for a picnic.
What activities can I do at Scaling Dam Reservoir?
Scaling Dam Reservoir, the largest lake in the national park, is popular for various recreational activities. It's a great spot for fishing and boating, with a sailing club. It also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a spacious hide overlooking a nature reserve, and paths for walking around the lake and onto the moors. Open water swimming sessions are also suitable here.
Are there good hiking opportunities near the lakes in North York Moors National Park?
Yes, the area around the lakes offers fantastic hiking. For example, a popular circular hiking trail includes Gormire Lake, Sutton Bank, and the White Horse of Kilburn. You can find more hiking routes in the region by visiting our guide on Hiking in North York Moors National Park.
Can I go cycling near the lakes?
Absolutely. Staindale Lake, located within Dalby Forest, provides access to numerous tracks suitable for cycling. For more cycling options, explore our comprehensive guide on Cycling in North York Moors National Park.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are havens for wildlife. At Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, you'll find diverse plants and wildlife, including fleabane, ragged robin, and common spotted orchid. Scaling Dam Reservoir is known for regular appearances of ospreys and various migratory birds, making it excellent for birdwatching.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes in the North York Moors?
While not directly a lake, Rievaulx Abbey is set in a tranquil valley on the edge of the North York Moors, with the River Rye flowing nearby. This Cistercian abbey, founded in 1131, offers a historical and scenic visiting experience. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.
What are the terrain and difficulty levels for walks around the lakes?
Walks around the lakes vary in terrain and difficulty. For instance, the path down to Gormire Lake from the Cleveland Way can be reasonably steep and narrow in places. However, lakes like Cod Beck Reservoir offer easier, pleasant strolls. Many routes are considered moderate, providing a good balance for most walkers.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is available at some lakes. For example, Staindale Lake has a car park conveniently located right beside its waters. Scaling Dam Reservoir also has car parks at each end, making access straightforward for visitors.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in North York Moors National Park?
The lakes in North York Moors National Park can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for activities like wild swimming and cycling. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, quiet landscape for walks, though some paths may be muddy.
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