Trail Running Planet · North Yorkshire · Washburn Valley
Fewston, Swinsty and Stainburn from Harrogate
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.
Distance
34.2 km
Ascent
409 m
Descent
410 m
Max elevation
271 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
6h 25m – 8h 40m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
straightforward
Parking
LS21 2NN
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn, winter
About this route
A big 34.2km loop from Harrogate's southwest edge out to the Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs and Stainburn Forest, with 409m of steady climbing. A long day on easy ground rather than a technical one.
Hazards & notes
Low hazard but long, with lane and road crossings on the links between Harrogate and the valley. Field and forest sections get muddy and slow after rain, and there is little shelter if the weather turns on the open farmland stretches.
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/north-yorkshire/washburn-valley/fewston-swinsty-stainburn
trailrunningplanet.com