Trail Running Planet · Nidderdale · Washburn Valley
Simon's Seat from Thruscross Reservoir
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.
Distance
28.7 km
Ascent
828 m
Descent
826 m
Max elevation
479 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
6h 5m – 8h 10m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
HG3 4BB
Dogs
Not suitable
Best seasons
spring, summer
About this route
A long loop from Thruscross Reservoir in the Washburn Valley, crossing into Yorkshire Dales National Park to reach Simon's Seat at 479m before looping back. 28.7km, 407m of ascent, crossing grouse moor and open fell.
Hazards & notes
No public right of way to the summit - the approach via the Valley of Desolation needs map skills in poor visibility, and the ground is peaty and boggy underfoot in places. Grouse shooting runs 12 August to 10 December (no shooting Sundays), and dogs are not permitted on Barden Fell at any time of year.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/nidderdale/washburn-valley/simons-seat-from-thruscross-reservoir
trailrunningplanet.com