RAMSDEN AND RIDING WOOD RESERVOIR WALK
A picturesque five mile circular walk near Holme, combining reservoirs, woodland, and charming pubs
Start: The Fleece Inn, Holme, West Yorkshire
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 800 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file
About the route
If you're looking for a peaceful countryside walk with scenic reservoirs, lush woodlands, and the chance to finish your day at a cosy pub, this walk is perfect for your next Sunday Stroll. Starting and ending at The Fleece Inn in Holme, this easy-to-moderate 5.48-mile circular walk showcases the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.
You'll meander through serene woodland, cross open fields dotted with stiles, and enjoy the tranquility of three stunning reservoirs: Ramsden, Riding Wood, and Digley. Midway through, a stop at the delightful Pickled Pheasant pub in Holmbridge makes for an ideal pistop — before finishing up at cosy pub, The Fleece Inn.
Route highlights
The Fleece Inn, Holme
This charming country pub is the perfect place to begin and end your walk. Serving hearty food, a range of drinks, and offering a welcoming atmosphere, The Fleece Inn is a fantastic spot to relax after your adventure.
Ramsden Reservoir
Tucked away in a serene setting, Ramsden Reservoir is the first of the three you'll encounter on this walk. Its peaceful surroundings make it a great spot for taking photos or just pausing to appreciate the beauty of the surrounds.
Riding Wood Reservoir
A short distance from Ramsden, Riding Wood Reservoir is a smaller but equally beautiful highlight. The path here offers picturesque views framed by trees and rolling hills. It’s a beautiful spot in all seasons, but an absolute must-visit in autumn when the surrounding backdrop comes to life.
Digley Reservoir
The largest of the three reservoirs, Digley Reservoir offers expansive waterside paths and some of the best views on the route. This area is particularly popular for its scenic picnic spots.
Options to extend the route
If you’re keen to explore more of the area, there are a couple of options to extend the walk:
Circular extension via Brownhill Reservoir: Add an extra mile to your walk by incorporating Brownhill Reservoir into your route. This peaceful stretch is a favourite among locals — and for good reason.
Hiking towards Holme Moss: For those seeking more of a challenge, extend the route to include the climb up Holme Moss, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
Things to do nearby
Holmfirth Vineyard
Just a short drive from Holme, Holmfirth Vineyard offers tours, wine tasting, and a bistro with stunning views over the valley.
Digley Reservoir Circular Walk
If you're looking for a shorter walk, the Digley Reservoir Circular Walk is a 1.5-mile route with equally stunning views.
Cycling Trails
The Holme Valley is a popular spot for cyclists, with a variety of routes catering to different abilities.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
The walk begins at The Fleece Inn in Holme (postcode: HD9 2QG), where there is parking available for customers and limited roadside parking surrounding. Please check with the pub if parking is intended for longer stays.
Public transport
Holme is accessible by bus from Holmfirth, with services running regularly. Be sure to check the timetable in advance, as rural routes can be infrequent.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some stiles and gentle inclines.
Footwear: With stiles and uneven terrain, sturdy walking boots are essential for this one. The path can get muddy in wet weather, so waterproof footwear is a good idea.
Food and drink: Both The Fleece Inn and The Pickled Pheasant provide excellent options for food and drink. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy by one of the reservoirs.
Parking: Roadside parking is available near The Fleece Inn.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
