Near Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Thruscross Reservoir

Reservoir

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideValleyRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.0

A reservoir walk with a historical twist: when water levels fall, remains of the former West End settlement may become visible.

This is more than a waterside stroll: the reservoir’s reported circular walk moves through varied scenery, while the submerged landscape and West End remains give the valley a sense of history that changes with the water level.

Peaceful · Big-sky · Atmospheric

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Near Harrogate, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Allow time for the reported 4.5-mile reservoir circuit, taking in the changing views and looking out for the remains associated with West End when visible. The route is described as hilly and sometimes muddy. Do not approach submerged remains; check current guidance and route conditions before setting out.

Things to do

Walk a section of the reservoir path

Take in the reservoir and surrounding scenery on a shorter out-and-back. The complete reported circuit is 4.5 miles, so choose a turning point that suits your time and conditions.

1–2 hours

Walk the reported reservoir circuit

A 4.5-mile circuit is reported around the reservoir. Visitor descriptions mention steep climbs and muddy sections; check for current diversions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick reservoir escape

01
Start from the reservoir’s reported parking area, after checking current access and conditions.
02
Walk a short section of the reservoir path and pause for the water and valley views.
03
Turn back when you have had enough; do not treat this as the full circuit.

Half day · Half day

The reservoir circuit

01
Check current route conditions and diversions before setting off.
02
Follow the reported circular walking path around the reservoir, allowing time for steep and potentially muddy sections.
03
Look for views of the reservoir and, if water levels are low, visible traces of the former West End settlement from a safe distance.

Verified history

The supplied sources identify the remains of West End as a lost settlement associated with the reservoir. A visitor review reports that parts of the old village can be seen when water levels are low. The sources provided do not establish a reliable date or detailed account of the settlement’s history.

When to go

· Check current weather and path conditions before visiting; no evidence establishes a best time of day.

Water levels affect whether traces of the former landscape are visible. The supplied sources do not establish reliable seasonal timing.

Visitor accounts describe muddy paths and steep climbs. Check the forecast and current route conditions.

The route

surface: Can be muddy; other surface details are not established.
distance: 4.5 miles, as stated in the source row
difficulty: Steep climbs are reported; visitor accounts also describe the walk as tough and muddy.
route shape: Circular, according to the source row
start point: Check before visiting
parking start: A visitor review reports ample free parking; verify current arrangements and the route start.
shorter alternative: Walk a suitable section out and back, turning around when appropriate; no verified shorter circuit is supplied.

Reservoir views
Varied scenery
Possible views of remains associated with West End when water levels are low

What to look for

01
When water levels are low, look from a safe distance for visible traces of the former West End settlement. The supplied material also mentions a ruined mill and other remains around the reservoir
02
do not approach submerged remains.