It's Grim Up North Running The Grim Reservoir Dogs

Pick your distance

What you’re in for

A run with your dog round Swinsty and Fewston: one 3.3-mile loop or two. A fun dog race on a lead, not run under canicross rules, on the same November morning as the Lakeside Dash. The course is the 6.7-mile loop of Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs in the Washburn Valley above Otley, a figure of eight on the well-kept perimeter paths, with the shorter events using the 3.3-mile Swinsty half of it. Pay-and-display parking at the North Lane car park next to registration.

Terrain and trail

Well-made gravel and tarmac reservoir paths with short woodland sections, tree roots, a footbridge or two and a couple of gentle rises — undulating rather than hilly. Fast, dry ground most of the year and the prettiest Grim venue in autumn. Wet leaves over roots are the thing to watch in November. The events are cup-less, so bring your own cup or bottle for the water at the finish. Over-ear headphones are not allowed, and there may be an unmarshalled road crossing.

Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

EASY

Fewston Reservoir Loop

5.2km · 21m climb · Loop · 0.7km away

A short and beautiful run around this picturesque reservoir in the Washburn Valley

Checked Jun 2026

HARD

Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from Blubberhouses

23.7km · 195m climb · Loop · 2.2km away

Three reservoirs, one long run, and some of the best-maintained trail surfaces in the north. This is what you do when you want big distance without big hills.

Checked Jun 2026

MODERATE

Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir Loop

10.3km · 41m climb · Loop · 2.3km away

Two reservoirs for the price of one, connected by well-graded Yorkshire Water tracks. Quiet, well-maintained, and a reliable choice when everywhere else is ankle-deep.

Checked Jun 2026

MODERATE

Thruscross Reservoir from Blubberhouses

13.5km · 162m climb · Loop · 2.3km away

The middle option in the Washburn Valley reservoir series - more commitment than the short loops but less than the full three-reservoir circuit. Thruscross from below gives the valley its proper context.

Checked Jun 2026

EASY

Swinsty Reservoir Loop

6.3km · 27m climb · Loop · 2.3km away

The smallest of the Washburn Valley reservoir circuits. Straightforward, reliable, and the kind of route that gets used regularly rather than just once.

Checked Jun 2026

VERY HARD

Simon's Seat from Thruscross Reservoir

28.7km · 828m climb · Loop · 4.8km away

This route crosses two distinct landscapes in one loop - the flooded Washburn Valley around Thruscross, then the high gritstone fell of Simon's Seat - with barely any road between them.

Checked Jun 2026

All routes near Ilkley →All North Yorkshire routes →

How to enter

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Common questions

How far is the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

The Grim Reservoir Dogs offers 2 distances: 3.3 Mile (5.3 km), 6.7 Mile (10.8 km).

How much climbing is in the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

No course file for the Grim Reservoir Dogs yet, so there's no measured climb here. When It's Grim Up North Running publish one, this fills in.

How hard is the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

Not graded yet. A TRP grade is worked out from distance and climb measured off the course file, and there isn't one for the Grim Reservoir Dogs yet.

Is the Grim Reservoir Dogs course marked?

Yes, the course is marked. Navigation skills are not required.

What kit do I need for the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Grim Reservoir Dogs. It's Grim Up North Running confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

We don't hold published time limits for the Grim Reservoir Dogs. If It's Grim Up North Running set cut-offs, they'll be in the race information.

What is at the checkpoints on the Grim Reservoir Dogs?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Grim Reservoir Dogs. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the It's Grim Up North Running race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Grim Reservoir Dogs route?

Not yet — we don't hold a course file for the Grim Reservoir Dogs. Some organisers only send the GPX to entrants. If we get one, it goes up free, with no sign-up.

When is the next Grim Reservoir Dogs?

Sat, 7 Nov 2026, 08:15. Entries open.