Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir (Short)
Open moor with big skies and a reservoir to frame the start. Compact enough for a summer evening run — good tracks throughout.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E2·T2 — how we grade routesNo photos of this route yet. Sign in to add one
Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A compact moorland circuit above Skipton exploring the western edge of Barden Moor, starting from Embsay Reservoir. Good tracks, wide views, and minimal climbing.
Open moor with big skies and a reservoir to frame the start. Compact enough for a summer evening run — good tracks throughout.
The route
From the car park at Embsay Reservoir dam, head east along the reservoir edge before climbing onto the open moorland of Barden Moor. Good tracks lead across the high ground with views south to Airedale before looping back to the reservoir.
Notes
This is the shorter version of the Barden Moor circuit. The longer route continues east and drops to Barden Bridge on the Wharfe.
Partner · affiliate policy
Boggy ground on moorland sections after heavy rain. Grouse shooting area — check for seasonal closures 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 (Short) in 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us· last checked June 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 9.3 km · Ilkley 13.6 km
HARD
HARD
HARD
MODERATE
MODERATERaces on this ground
All Yorkshire Dales races →Races starting within 20 km of the Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir (Short) 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