Leeming Reservoir

The water sits there, proper still on a grey Yorkshire morning, ringed by moorland that rolls away toward the Pennines. Leeming Reservoir isn't dramatic - it won't stop you in your tracks the way some landscapes do - but it's a solid, uncomplicated spot for a walk if you're staying in the Keighley area. Built back in the 1870s to feed the textile mills, it's become a modest focal point for local walkers and folk after a bit of open air away from the towns. You can follow the water's edge for a decent circuit, taking in views across the valley, and the surrounding moorland offers decent scope for stretching your legs further if you're inclined. The reservoir itself is unremarkable from a swimming or boating perspective - it's functional, not flashy - but the walk itself is the draw. Families with younger kids will get an hour or so out of it, maybe longer if you pack a picnic and dawdle. Serious walkers might find it a bit tame, though it works well as a warm-up before heading out onto the moors proper. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Bronte Country Park sits just 2.8 miles away - it's worth combining with other local walks. The moorland around here connects into a proper network, so you can link Leeming with longer routes if you fancy it. Expect boggy sections after rain. Best to go mid-week if you want any peace.