Dacreの湖・トップ20

Lumley Moorは、単に水を貯めるだけでなく、水を放出するために建設されました。ビクトリア朝時代の水道施設は、しばしば自然の河川流量を減少させていました。Riponのような町が山岳地帯の小川から水を汲み上げ始めると、夏の流量低下のリスクがあり、それは下流の工場に影響を与え、魚を殺し、河岸権（ビクトリア朝時代には大きな法的問題でした）を侵害する可能性がありました。そのため、水道当局は、汲み上げた水を補償するために、川に水を戻すことが法的に義務付けられていました。Gouthwaite Reservoirと同じですが、はるかに小規模なこの施設は、補償用貯水池の一種です。

Glasshouses Mill, which the dam served, was initially a corn mill but later transitioned to flax processing in the early 1800s. The dam was built in 1850 by brothers John and George Metcalfe, who expanded the mill and its operations. The mill was a prosperous business, employing around 250 people and known for its responsible employment practices. By the late 19th century, the decline of linen led local mills to produce jute and hemp, but Glasshouses Mill continued flax spinning until the death of George Metcalfe Jr. in 1898. Following his death, the mill struggled, eventually declaring bankruptcy in 1907. The dam is now a recreational area, offering opportunities for fishing, skating in winter, and water sports in summer, although it was literally bone dry when I passed in May 2025 (see photos).

Undoubtedly the most scenic of the Washburn reservoirs with the moorland backdrop to the north. The circular route around the reservoir from the car park is about 5 miles, the track on the southwestern side runs along the edge of plantations and offers some shade from the sun and shelter from the elements. The track on the northeastern side is more exposed, and if you do the whole circuit you will cross over Far Comb Hill and the plantation along the edge of the reservoir at Whit Moor - a great route.

Good quality paths all the way around Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, with parking at Swinsty Moor Plantation, Fewston village, Blubberhouses, and Thruscross Reservoir dam. If you do all 3 reservoirs then that clocks in at a 15-mile route, but is well worth it. The paths around the southern reservoirs are generally wide and flat. There are benches at periodic intervals on the eastern side of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, where you can take a break and admire the views.

Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.

It gets busy - weekdays are best.

Here in the Washburn Valley are two reservoirs right next to each other, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs. You can walk around both of them or just do a solo jaunt around one. The walk around Fewston reservoir is less obstructed than Swinsty and is the better of the two walks. The Fewston Path goes for 3.7 miles (6 km) around the reservoir on well-maintained paths that, on a sunny day, will give you super nice views along with a good dose of peace and tranquillity.

The small dam was originally built for the city of Ripon. These days, it belongs to Yorkshire Water. Paths go essentially around all of it, making for a very pleasant walk.