Nidderdale National Landscape – Reservoir Valleys, Moorland Edges and Yorkshire Dales Walking

River Valleys, Open Moorland, and Working Dales on the Eastern Edge of the Yorkshire Dales

The Nidderdale National Landscape — formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies in North Yorkshire between Harrogate, Pateley Bridge, Masham, and the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Shaped by self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places, the area connects the Nidderdale Way with settlements including Pateley Bridge, Bewerley, Masham, and Lofthouse across a network of river valleys, reservoirs, heather moorland, pasture, and quiet upland lanes.

Walking here is shaped by gradual transitions between enclosed valley floors and higher, open moorland. Underfoot conditions vary between firm riverside paths, stone tracks, grassy field routes, and rougher sections on exposed tops. Gradients are steady rather than steep, with regular climbs out of valleys onto broad ridges followed by longer, easier stretches along contours.

Established long-distance routes provide structure to movement through the landscape. The Nidderdale Way forms a circular trail around the valley system, linking reservoirs, villages, and upland moorland in a continuous loop. Additional paths connect to the Ripon Rowel Walk and routes into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, allowing walkers to combine valley and upland stages across a wider area.

Walking in Nidderdale is defined by space and quietness. Paths follow the River Nidd upstream through meadows and stone-walled fields, then rise onto moorland edges where wide views extend across the dales. The landscape feels agricultural and long-settled, with barns, dry-stone walls, and small farms shaping the character of the routes.

Reservoir-based walking forms a natural focus across the valley. Around Gouthwaite, Scar House, Angram, and Fewston Reservoirs, firm tracks follow the water’s edge, creating steady, level sections suitable for longer days on foot. From these lower areas, routes climb onto heather moors and gritstone edges, where more open walking contrasts with the sheltered valley floor.

Village-based stages provide practical bases along the way. Pateley Bridge sits centrally within the valley with services and accommodation, while smaller places such as Bewerley, Lofthouse, and Ramsgill offer quieter stopping points. Masham and Ripley provide connections on the eastern side of the landscape.

Seasonal change strongly influences the experience. Spring brings fresh pasture and flowing rivers, summer offers long daylight across the moors, autumn colours the bracken and woodland slopes, and winter can introduce wind and exposed conditions on higher ground.

Beyond walking, the landscape supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows minor upland roads and reservoir tracks, birdlife is common around wetlands and moorland, and the area lends itself to unhurried exploration between villages and valleys.

Accommodation is spread through Pateley Bridge, Masham, Ripley, and surrounding settlements, with bus links from Harrogate providing access without a car. This makes the area well suited to staged, self-guided journeys along the valley system.

For walkers seeking quieter dales, broad upland views, and connected routes between reservoirs and villages, the Nidderdale National Landscape offers a cohesive and accessible upland landscape shaped by water, farming, and open moorland.

Where to Walk and Explore

Nidderdale Way

‍‍A circular long-distance route linking Pateley Bridge, Masham, Scar House Reservoir, and surrounding moorland and valleys.

Scar House & Angram Reservoirs

‍‍Level waterside tracks through the upper valley beneath open moorland hills.

River Nidd Valley Paths

‍‍Gentle riverside walking between Bewerley, Pateley Bridge, and Gouthwaite Reservoir.

Brimham Rocks & Moorland Edge

‍‍Gritstone outcrops and elevated paths with wide views across Nidderdale and the surrounding countryside.

Masham & Lower Dale

‍‍Field paths and quiet lanes linking market towns, pasture, and woodland on the eastern side of the landscape.

Landscape Highlights

• Circular long-distance walking on the Nidderdale Way
• Reservoir-edge tracks and riverside paths
• Heather moorland and open upland views
• Stone walls, barns, and traditional farming landscapes
• Quiet villages and small market towns
• Connections into the Yorkshire Dales National Park
• Bus access from Harrogate for car-free journeys