Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir
Big moorland miles with a mid-route riverside section through Bolton Abbey woods. 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 routesBig moorland miles with a mid-route riverside section through Bolton Abbey woods. Covers proper ground without the serious climbing of the Dales fells.
A longer moorland circuit from Embsay Reservoir taking in the full sweep of Barden Moor, dropping to Barden Bridge on the Wharfe before looping back across the high ground.
The route
From Embsay Reservoir, climb onto Barden Moor and run the high-level tracks eastward. The route drops to Barden Bridge on the River Wharfe — a good spot to refuel if the Cavendish Pavilion café is open. The return climbs back onto the moor before descending to the reservoir.
Variations
A shorter version stays on the western edge of the moor. See Barden Moor from Embsay Reservoir (Short).
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
Common questions
More routes in Yorkshire Dales
EASY
VERY HARD
MODERATE