Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir
Big moorland miles and some really nice fast and flowing trails. Covers proper ground without the serious climbing of the Dales fells.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E3·T2 — how we grade routes
Cookrise Crag looking back towards Cracoe war memorial
Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A longer moorland circuit from Embsay Reservoir taking in the full sweep of Barden Moor with some of the best trails in the Yorkshire Dales from Cracoe War Memorial back to the reservoir.
Big moorland miles and some really nice fast and flowing trails. Covers proper ground without the serious climbing of the Dales fells.
The route
From Embsay Reservoir, climb onto Barden Moor and run the high-level tracks eastward. From Cracoe War Memorial you get some of the best trails in the Yorkshire dales. Fast and flowing single track that keeps you on your toes and is an absolute joy to run on although can be very boggy in winter.
Variations
A shorter version stays on the western edge of the moor. See Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir (Short).
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Some pathless moorland sections on the higher ground. Boggy after rain. Grouse shooting August to December.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- 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.
Common questions
- Most runners complete Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir in 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
About the author
Runner reports
Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
Start from a town: Skipton 2.9 km · Grassington 9.4 km · Ilkley 13.6 km
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MODERATERaces on this ground
All Yorkshire Dales races →Races starting within 20 km of the Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir start, nearest first. If you are entered for one, this route is the rehearsal.
10
Apr
2027
Skipton Skedaddle
Skipton, North Yorkshire · Punk Panther · 2 miles away
Out of the market town and into the Dales — Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar and Pen-y-ghent on the long one.
HARD TO VERY HARD
Entries open
7
Aug
2027
provisional
Dales Dazzler
Skipton, North Yorkshire · Punk Panther · 2 miles away
Skipton to the Pennine Way, Malham Tarn and back down the Dales Way. Fifty miles if you want it.
HARD TO EXPERT
Not open yet
6
Feb
2027
Skipton Sweetie Skedaddle
Craven Leisure Centre, Gargrave Road, Skipton · It's Grim Up North Running · 2 miles away
The Leeds & Liverpool towpath out of Skipton, flat and fast, 10k to ultra with a six-and-a-half-hour cut-off and sweets, chocolate and cake at the finish. Road shoes suggested.
Entries open
£29–£43
5
Aug
2027
Skipton Rock Up n' Run
Craven Leisure Centre, Gargrave Road, Skipton · It's Grim Up North Running · 2 miles away
A midweek summer evening 5k or 10k on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Craven Leisure Centre in Skipton. Register from six, pay on the night, jumble medal and hot food after.
Entries open
£17–£29