Barden Reservoir
This walk visits the Lower Barden Reservoir on Barden Moor in the Nidderdale area of Yorkshire.
You can follow a circular footpath around the reservoir which runs for about 1.5 miles. There's splendid views across the water to the surrounding moorland and hills. The walk can be extended by following footpaths north west across Barden Moor to visit Upper Barden Reservoir.
Both the reservoirs date from the 19th century and feed water into the Barden Beck, which flows into the River Wharfe. You can follow footpaths along the pretty beck at the western end of the site.
Postcode
BD23 6AR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBarden Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Barden Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Barden Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Barden Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your reservoir walking in the area you could visit the nearby Embsay Reservoir and Chelker Reservoir.
To the east there's the popular climb to Simons Seat where you can enjoy wonderful views over the Dales.
Just to the east you can pick up the Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey Walk via Strid Wood. It's a popular riverside walk starting from close to the 15th century Barden Tower and leading you to the wonderful ancient ruins of Bolton Abbey. There's a car park here and the opportunity to pick up the Lady Anne's Way long distance trail as well.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Nidderdale Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lower Barden Reservoir from Hutchen Gill Head. In the distance, Carncliff Top across the other side of Wharfedale.
Far Long Gill. The gill feeds into Lower Barden Reservoir. Seen from the bridge on the reservoir access track.
Bridge over Kittlety Sike. This sizeable bridge takes the Upper Barden Reservoir access track over Kittlety Sike.
Brass Castle at the western end of the reservoir. A shooting hut decked out with benches and a table.
Ford across Barden Beck. The reservoir access track crosses Barden Beck
Sluice at the lower reservoir. The channel runs the entire length of the reservoir's western side.
The road across the dam at Upper Barden reservoir. You can reach the reservoir by following a track north west from the lower lake for just over a mile.
The retaining wall and Upper Barden Reservoir