Cod Beck Reservoir from Osmotherley is a fine short walk. The reservoir is beautifully set in woodland and the return through the trees opens out to give enticing views across the Vale of York.
Barely a mile north of Osmotherley lies Cod Beck Reservoir. An idyllic man made lake on the outskirts of the pretty village of Osmotherley. It was built between 1947 and 1952, originally supplying water to Thirsk and Northallerton. However the quality of the water deteriorated and it is now just a beauty spot. Maybe the water quality suffered due to the influx of toads that regularly move in from the surrounding moors. The toads have become a source of some local pride and apparently have an important role in the ecology of the area.
Cod Beck Reservoir is a renowned beauty spot and often very popular so I suggest taking the high level Cleveland Way to Scarth Nick at the beginning of the walk. In good weather and once you have moved out from the woodland on the escarpment, the views of open moorland, farmland and across the Vale of York are outstanding. Take in the excellent views before returning to the bridge at Sheepwash and approaching the reservoir via the western shores. It is a prettier option on a good woodland path.
nb: The photos I took of Cod Beck are in a snow storm, It is not usually like that!
St Peter’s Church in Osmotherley dates back to Norman times and well worth a visit.
The orange dashed path that is shown on Ordnance Survey 1.25,000 maps represents a permissive path. This means it is open with permission of the land owner and they can re-route, change or even close it. If the path is green dashes they cannot do this. It is a public right of way.
A none too taxing little walk but it can get incredibly muddy after rains so make sure you dress accordingly.
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