Guide
Things to Do in Harrogate
From beautiful gardens and historic baths to independent streets, open spaces, countryside walks and some of Yorkshire's best days out, discover the best things to do in and around Harrogate.
Walks & Outdoors
Swinsty Reservoir
Washburn Valley reservoir with a waymarked circular walk through woodland and open water.
Swinsty is the more popular of the two main Washburn reservoirs, largely because its circular route is straightforward, well surfaced in places and manageable in an afternoon.
The walk runs roughly five miles around the water, moving between conifer plantation, open shoreline and a dam crossing, with birdlife on the water for most of the year.
It is about 20 minutes from Harrogate by car and is the standard local answer to wanting a proper walk without committing to the Dales. Parking fills quickly on weekends; go early or mid-week.
Good for
Walking·Dogs·Wildlife·Circular Route
Last verified 11/09/2026. Something changed? Let us know
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