How long does the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest route take?

Most runners complete Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest in 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.

How long is the Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest trail run?

Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is 16.7 km with 295 m of ascent. It is graded Moderate.

Is Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest a loop or out-and-back?

Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is a loop, so you finish back where you parked.

What is the best time of year to run Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest?

Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is worth running year-round. Conditions change a lot between seasons though, so check the recent condition reports before you head out.

Where do I park for Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest?

The nearest parking postcode for Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is BB7 4TS.

Can I bring my dog on Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest. Keep under close control on shared biking trails. On lead near the car park.

Have other runners completed Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest?

Yes — 1 runner have logged Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest on Trail Running Planet. Check the run logs section on the route page for times and notes.

Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest

Reservoir views, forest trails, and barely any climbing. One for when you want miles without mountains — or when the rest of the Dales is under a cloud.

MODERATE

Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb

Underfoot: Mostly paths and tracks

E2·T1 — how we grade routes

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Distance

16.7km

Ascent

295m

Descent

294m

High point

270m

Est. time

2h 5m – 2h 45m

Route type

Loop

Runability99%

Runnable start to finish — nothing here forces you to walk.

In short

A trail run looping around Stocks Reservoir and through Gisburn Forest in the Forest of Bowland AONB. Good all-weather tracks and minimal climbing make this one of the most accessible routes in the region.

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Reservoir views, forest trails, and barely any climbing. One for when you want miles without mountains — or when the rest of the Dales is under a cloud.

##The route

From the Gisburn Forest Hub car park, the route circuits Stocks Reservoir before looping through the forest tracks. The terrain is mostly well-drained gravel track with some rougher forest paths.

##The forest

Gisburn Forest is managed by Forestry England and shared with mountain bikers — be ready to share the trails. The café at the Hub is open most days and does proper food.

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Watch out for

Forestry vehicles on some tracks — be alert. Shared use with mountain bikers. Muddy forest paths after heavy rain.

Safety on this route

999 / 112

Ask for Police → Mountain Rescue

Grid ref

SD737565

No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out

Leave No Trace

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.

Full Countryside Code & Leave No Trace guide →

Common questions

: Most runners complete Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest in 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
: Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is 16.7 km with 295 m of ascent. It is graded Moderate.
: Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is a loop, so you finish back where you parked.
: Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is worth running year-round. Conditions change a lot between seasons though, so check the recent condition reports before you head out.
: The nearest parking postcode for Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest is BB7 4TS.
: Yes, dogs are welcome on Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest. Keep under close control on shared biking trails. On lead near the car park.
: Yes — 1 runner have logged Stocks Reservoir and Gisburn Forest on Trail Running Planet. Check the run logs section on the route page for times and notes.