Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty from Blubberhouses

The route

Starting from the Swinsty Moor car park area near Blubberhouses, the circuit heads north through the Washburn Valley to Thruscross Reservoir, circuits the upper reservoir, then returns south through Fewston and Swinsty on the valley tracks.

The full circuit covers 23.7km - equivalent to a half marathon and a bit - across three linked reservoir systems. The Yorkshire Water tracks are uniformly well-maintained gravel paths, wide enough to run freely and in good condition year-round. Total ascent across the full circuit is approximately 75m, reflecting the genuinely flat nature of this terrain: this is a distance challenge, not an elevation one.

Running anti-clockwise (north first, returning south), Thruscross comes into view after roughly 6km. The upper reservoir circuit adds 7.9km before the route descends south through the valley, passing Fewston and returning along the Swinsty perimeter to the start.

A long flat day

This route exists for one reason: if you want 23+km in the legs without navigational complexity or significant climbing, this delivers it. The surface quality is consistent throughout, the route is easy to follow, and the reservoir views sustain interest over a long run in a way that an urban circuit wouldn't.

The trade-off is that the terrain doesn't change much. The three reservoir circuits share similar character - water to one side, managed woodland to the other, steady track underfoot. If you need variety over this kind of distance, head for the fell routes. If you need miles with reliable conditions, this is the Washburn Valley's offering.

Practical notes

Water is not available on route - carry enough for 23+km. No catering at any of the reservoir sites. The Swinsty Moor car park has toilets and is the natural base for all three reservoir routes. Plan nutrition accordingly for a run of this length.

Note: GPX elevation data shows very low ascent figures, reflecting the genuine flat character of the valley floor terrain.