Fewston, Swinsty and Stainburn from Harrogate

The route

This is a long loop that runs from the southwest edge of Harrogate out into the Washburn valley, taking in the Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs and the tracks of Stainburn Forest before returning. At 34.2km it is a serious distance, but the climbing is a manageable 409m spread across the whole route, so this is about endurance and rhythm rather than steep effort. The reservoir circuits are the highlight: well-surfaced, mostly flat and quick underfoot, weaving between water and woodland.

The reservoirs and forest

Fewston and Swinsty sit side by side in the Washburn valley, ringed by permissive paths that make for some of the best easy trail running in the area. Stainburn Forest adds a stretch of quieter forestry track with a bit more up and down. Between these features you cross farmland and quiet lanes linking the Harrogate side to the valley, so the run mixes open reservoir shoreline with hedged field paths and woodland.

Why it works

The distance makes this a proper training day, but the easy ground means you can hold a steady pace and enjoy the scenery rather than grind. It is a strong long-run option when the high moors are in cloud, because almost all of it is sheltered and low. You can also lift out just the reservoir loops for a much shorter, family-friendly outing another day.

Getting there

The loop starts from Harrogate's southwest edge near Beckwithshaw, so town parking and the station are within reach. If you would rather start at the water, the Yorkshire Water car parks at Fewston and Swinsty Moor put you straight onto the reservoir trails.

Good to know

There is no cafe or shop out at the reservoirs, so carry your own food and enough fluid for a long day; the only reliable refuel points are back on the Harrogate side. Split it however suits you: the two reservoir circuits alone make a gentler run of around half the distance, and the full loop rewards a patient, even pace over any attempt to push the flat sections too hard.