Best lakes around Easingwold are found in the surrounding North Yorkshire landscape, offering a variety of natural settings and recreational opportunities. This market town serves as a gateway to serene natural ponds within woodlands, dedicated fishing lakes, and reservoirs. The area provides diverse options for those seeking waterside activities, from leisurely strolls to angling.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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Parking spaces for at least half a dozen cars alongside this small lake, lots of ducks and swans, who are clearly accustomed to being fed by people judging from the way they flock towards you! Very scenic and a great place to start a walk from.
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This is a very picturesque stone bridge that's worth stopping by, separating two parts of the pond here. A lovely, green place within the Mug Dale woods.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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A lovely little lake here, with benches to sit on and enjoy it, right next to where Colley Broach Road and Oulston Roads meet. You've got Newburgh Priory right next to you here, which is a spectacular place to look at (and can be visited between April and June).
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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For picturesque and easy walks, the ponds within Yearsley Woods are highly recommended. Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond offer well-managed paths, making them ideal for a relaxing stroll. The Mug Dale Stone Bridge and Pond also provides a lovely, green setting for a walk.
Yes, Yearsley Woods is particularly family-friendly. Both Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond have well-maintained tracks and paths suitable for children. The presence of swans at Lower Fish Pond adds to its charm. The Mug Dale Stone Bridge and Pond is also noted as family-friendly.
The ponds in Yearsley Woods, such as Lower Fish Pond, are known for their 'amazingly blue colours' on sunny days and the presence of swans. The surrounding woodlands offer a serene natural environment. While Oulston Reservoir is not publicly accessible, it offers a wild and serene view from nearby vantage points.
Beyond walking around the ponds, the Easingwold area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including a moderate loop around St Cuthbert's Church and Oulston Reservoir. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Easingwold. There are also traffic-free bike rides and MTB trails in the wider region.
Yes, Easingwold is surrounded by several dedicated fishing lakes. Popular options include Tollerton Pond, Brafferton Carp Fishery, The Oaks Lakes Caravan Park (near Thirsk), Thornton Lodge Country Retreats, Redwood Park Fishery (near York), and Rising Sun Fisheries. These cater to various angling interests, from serene escapes to competitive coarse fishing.
The ponds in Yearsley Woods, including Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond, are described as joyful places to walk at any time of year. On sunny days, the water exhibits 'amazingly blue colours,' making it particularly picturesque.
Public access to Oulston Reservoir itself is prohibited by a locked gate. However, you can enjoy peaceful and serene views of the reservoir from nearby vantage points and footpaths. There are hiking routes in the area that offer views, such as the St Cuthbert's Church and Oulston Reservoir loop.
The tracks and paths around the Fish Ponds in Yearsley Woods, including Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond, are described as well-managed. This generally indicates suitability for a wider range of visitors, though specific accessibility for wheelchairs or pushchairs may vary depending on recent conditions.
For walks around the lakes and ponds, especially near Oulston Reservoir, it's recommended to wear good waterproof walking boots. The terrain can be varied, and paths might be damp or muddy, particularly after rain or in cooler seasons.
While specific cafes directly adjacent to the woodland ponds are not mentioned, the market town of Easingwold itself offers various amenities. Some fishing lakes like Tollerton Pond include a café on-site. For routes that pass through villages, such as the St Cuthbert's Church and Oulston Reservoir loop, you may find cafes or pubs in nearby settlements like Crayke.
Scaling Dam Reservoir is further afield, located within the North York Moors National Park. It's popular for pike and coarse fishing, scenic walks, and picnic areas amidst wild moorland. However, unauthorized swimming or water sports are not permitted. It offers a different experience but requires a longer drive from Easingwold.


Still not found your perfect lake around Easingwold? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.