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Trail running in Washburn Valley

9
routes

Which route should I choose?

9 routes in Washburn Valley, from 5.2 km to 34.2 km. If it is your first time here, start with the easy group below. Every route has a free GPX file, a TRP grade and a note on parking and transport.

Checked: 9 run by TRP. Each route page says which.

First trail run here

Low effort, easy ground, shortest first.

Under 10 km

An hour or so, whatever your pace.

A long day out

Over 25 km. Take food, take a map.

Firm underfoot in wet weather

Lowest mud rating in the region.

Compare all 9 routes in one table
RouteDistanceClimbGradeGroundGetting there
Fewston Reservoir Loop5.2 km21 mEasyreservoir pathDrive, parking listed
Swinsty Reservoir Loop6.3 km27 mEasypathDrive, parking listed
Thruscross Reservoir Loop7.9 km97 mEasypathDrive, parking listed
Washburn Valley from Leathley10.2 km167 mModeratewoodlandDrive, parking listed
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir Loop10.3 km41 mModeratepathDrive, parking listed
Thruscross Reservoir from Blubberhouses13.5 km162 mModeratepathDrive, parking listed
Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from Blubberhouses23.7 km195 mHardpathDrive, parking listed
Simon's Seat from Thruscross Reservoir28.7 km828 mVery HardmoorlandDrive, parking listed
Fewston, Swinsty and Stainburn from Harrogate34.2 km409 mHardpathDrive, parking listed
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir LoopMODERATE
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir Loop
10.3km · 41m climb · Loop
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.
Good for beginners
Checked Jun 2026
Fewston Reservoir LoopEASY
Fewston Reservoir Loop
5.2km · 21m climb · Loop
A short and beautiful run around this picturesque reservoir in the Washburn Valley
Good for beginners
Checked Jun 2026
Fewston, Swinsty and Stainburn from HarrogateHARD
Fewston, Swinsty and Stainburn from Harrogate
34.2km · 409m climb · Loop
You link two of Yorkshire's prettiest reservoirs and a quiet forest into one long circuit, with reservoir-side trails that keep the running fast and flowing for most of the distance.
Checked Jul 2026
Simon's Seat from Thruscross ReservoirVERY HARD
Simon's Seat from Thruscross Reservoir
28.7km · 828m climb · Loop
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.
Fell run
Checked Jun 2026
Swinsty Reservoir LoopEASY
Swinsty Reservoir Loop
6.3km · 27m climb · Loop
The smallest of the Washburn Valley reservoir circuits. Straightforward, reliable, and the kind of route that gets used regularly rather than just once.
Good for beginners
Checked Jun 2026
Thruscross Reservoir from BlubberhousesMODERATE
Thruscross Reservoir from Blubberhouses
13.5km · 162m climb · Loop
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.
Good for beginners
Checked Jun 2026
Thruscross Reservoir LoopEASY
Thruscross Reservoir Loop
7.9km · 97m climb · Loop
Thruscross sits above the rest of the valley and feels it - more open, more exposed, and noticeably quieter than Swinsty and Fewston below. Worth the extra 5 minutes drive.
Good for beginners
Checked Jun 2026
Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from BlubberhousesHARD
Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from Blubberhouses
23.7km · 195m climb · Loop
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
Washburn Valley from Leathley
10.2km · 167m climb · Loop
You get a quiet string of reservoirs and river woodland a stone's throw from Otley, with none of the crowds of the honeypot dales. It is the sort of route locals keep to themselves.