Cod Beck Reservoir
A serene man-made reservoir nestled in the North York Moors, offering picturesque walking paths and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Ice cream van arrives!
Cod Beck Reservoir
Best Time
Ice cream van arrives!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene man-made reservoir nestled in the North York Moors, offering picturesque walking paths and stunning natural beauty.
"Beautiful reservoir with lots of great walking routes up on to the Cleveland way, set in Amazing surroundings."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small main lot; a larger free lot is nearby. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The 1.5-mile path is mostly flat, but good shoes are recommended for walking. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cod Beck Reservoir Circuit
Reservoir perimeter
A well-maintained 1.5-mile path offering serene water views and surrounding moorland scenery.
Osmotherley Village Charm
Adjacent village
Quaint village with pubs, shops, and cafes, just a mile from the reservoir.
North York Moors Views
Surrounding moorland
Stunning year-round vistas across the expansive and beautiful North York Moors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early
Embrace the Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small main lot; a larger free lot is nearby. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The 1.5-mile path is mostly flat, but good shoes are recommended for walking. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Designated picnic spots offer lovely views for a family meal. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Great for walking dogs, with plenty of space for them to stretch their legs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the small main lot; a larger free lot is nearby. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The 1.5-mile path is mostly flat, but good shoes are recommended for walking. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Designated picnic spots offer lovely views for a family meal. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Great for walking dogs, with plenty of space for them to stretch their legs.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Beautiful scenery year-round, perfect for capturing memorable shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cod Beck Reservoir for its beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and accessible walking paths, making it a great spot for families and dog walkers. While parking can be limited, the free entry and lovely views of the North York Moors make it a worthwhile destination for a relaxing day out.
"A great place for a walk and with dogs. In a beautiful setting and peaceful."
Stuart Bennett
"Cod Beck Reservoir is a man-made lake completed in 1953, covering an area of 10 hectares with a volume of 115,000 cubic meters. It serves as a compensation reservoir, maintaining downstream water flow into Cod Beck, and is managed by Yorkshire Water
A well-maintained 1.5-mile circular path encircles the reservoir, offering a leisurely walk suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail is mostly flat with a slight incline at the northeast corner .
• Picnic Area: Designated spots are available for visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
• Parking: Free parking is available to the north of the reservoir at postcode DL6 3AL.
• Nearby Amenities: The village of Osmotherley offers public toilets, a small shop, and additional walking trails"
Sepid Ansari
"Great place to take the family for a scenic walk and a picnic. Lovely views. There are plenty of photo opportunities. It's worth a visit any time of the year. Not much parking, so get there early in the day. No toilets. Ice cream van from Spring onwards. Osmotherley village nearby for pub/shop/cafe."
Michael Glowala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cod Beck Reservoir is located near Osmotherley in North Yorkshire. If driving, use postcode DL6 3AL for the larger parking area. It's a popular spot, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid parking issues.
Public transport options are limited directly to the reservoir. The nearest village, Osmotherley, may have bus services, but driving is the most convenient way to access Cod Beck Reservoir.
The most common access point is via the parking areas. The small lot at the reservoir's upper end fills quickly, so the larger free parking lot to the north is often a better bet.
Yes, the charming village of Osmotherley is just about a mile away and offers amenities like pubs, shops, and cafes.
Cycling is possible, and the surrounding North York Moors offer many cycling routes. Be mindful of parking availability if arriving by bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cod Beck Reservoir is free to enter and explore. Parking is also free, though spaces can be limited.
Cod Beck Reservoir is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. It's a public access area.
Generally, visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and take litter home. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control.
The main 1.5-mile path is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for many. However, some sections might have slight inclines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy leisurely walks around the reservoir, have a picnic, take photos, or explore longer hiking routes on the Cleveland Way.
The main circular path is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace.
There are no public toilets directly at the reservoir. You can find facilities in the nearby village of Osmotherley.
Phone signal can be intermittent in this rural area. There is no public Wi-Fi available at the reservoir.
Swimming is generally not advised in reservoirs due to safety concerns and water quality.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village of Osmotherley, a short walk away, offers pubs, cafes, and a small shop for refreshments.
Yes, an ice cream van is usually present from Spring onwards, adding a sweet treat to your visit.
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas with lovely views, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
No, there are no restaurants within the reservoir grounds. Dining options are available in the nearby village of Osmotherley.
Osmotherley typically offers traditional pub fare and cafe snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light, especially during autumn. The reservoir is picturesque in all seasons.
The reservoir itself, the surrounding moorland, reflections on the water, and the changing seasons are popular subjects.
Drone usage is possible, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light photography.
The entire perimeter offers scenic views, but the areas with open moorland provide expansive backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are designated picnic areas perfect for a family lunch amidst beautiful scenery. Consider combining your visit with a short trip to the nearby village of Osmotherley for additional amenities like public toilets and a small shop. This makes for a well-rounded family day out without too much travel time between locations.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
The reservoir also serves as a convenient starting point or waypoint for more extensive hikes into the North York Moors National Park, with access to trails like the Cleveland Way. Remember to check weather conditions before heading out, as the moors can be exposed. Bringing appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear and waterproofs, is advisable. The nearby village of Osmotherley also offers additional walking routes and amenities for those looking to extend their exploration.
🐶 Dog Owners
Dogs are welcome on the paths, and the open moorland surrounding the reservoir provides ample opportunities for them to stretch their legs. It's a great place to combine your own exercise with your dog's needs.While dogs are welcome, it's important to keep them under control, especially near the water and if there are other visitors or wildlife around. Always ensure you clean up after your dog to help keep the area pleasant for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Reservoir Path
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Cod Beck Reservoir serves as a gateway to longer trails, including sections of the renowned Cleveland Way. These extended routes allow you to delve deeper into the stunning landscapes of the national park, offering more rugged terrain and panoramic vistas.
Key Takeaways for the Path:
* Length: Approximately 1.5 miles for the main circuit.
* Terrain: Mostly flat with a minor incline.
* Accessibility: Suitable for pushchairs and dogs.
* Connectivity: Links to longer hiking trails like the Cleveland Way.
The Role of Cod Beck Reservoir
While its main purpose is water management, the reservoir has become a beloved local spot for recreation. Its serene waters and the surrounding natural beauty attract walkers, photographers, and families looking for a peaceful day out. The presence of designated picnic areas further enhances its appeal as a destination for leisure activities.
Reservoir Facts:
* Completion Year: 1953
* Management: Yorkshire Water
* Purpose: Compensation reservoir for Cod Beck
* Area: 10 hectares
Photography at Cod Beck Reservoir
The surrounding North York Moors provide a stunning backdrop, with changing colours in autumn and lush greenery in spring and summer. Many visitors capture the reservoir itself, the expansive moorland views, and the interplay of light and shadow on the water's surface. Drone photography can capture unique aerial perspectives of the reservoir and its landscape, showcasing the scale and beauty of the area.
+1 However, it's essential to be aware of any local regulations regarding drone usage and to fly responsibly. For those without drones, the well-maintained paths offer numerous vantage points for landscape photography, with opportunities to capture both wide vistas and more intimate details of the natural environment. Photography Tips:
* Best Light: Sunrise and sunset for dramatic effects.
* Subjects: Reflections, moorland, seasonal changes.
* Gear: Wide-angle lens recommended for landscapes.
* Drone Use: Check local guidelines.
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