Gollinglith Foot Yorkshire Moors Hike

A peaceful moor‑and‑valley circuit from Gollinglith Foot, following the River Burn upstream before climbing past Steel House Gill, Thorny Grane Gill and Flout Sike onto the wide, open track of Pot Moor High Road. From the top, the route curves down with big views over Leighton Reservoir, then follows the quiet estate road around the water before dropping back into the valley and returning to the car park.

⭐ Route Overview

Start/Finish: Gollinglith Foot Car Park

Distance: ~12 miles (depending on exact line)

Time: 5 – 6 hours

Terrain: Moorland tracks, riverside paths, estate roads

Difficulty: Moderate

Best for: Quiet days out, big skies, reservoir views, peaceful valleys

Colsterdale & Leighton Reservoir Loop

A peaceful moorland-and-water wander through one of Yorkshire’s quietest valleys

This is one of those proper old‑school Yorkshire rambles — quiet lanes, open moorland, hidden gills, and a big sweep around Leighton Reservoir before dropping back into the little hamlet of Gollinglith Foot. It’s remote, scenic, and wonderfully simple: follow the River Burn upstream, climb onto the high moor, then curve back around the water. A classic “head‑clearing” walk.

Places to Stay Nearby

⭐ Stops & Highlights

A) Gollinglith Foot Car Park

A tiny, tucked‑away starting point in the Colsterdale valley. You’re straight into the quiet countryside from the first step.

B) Upper River Burn Path

Follow the River Burn upstream — a gentle, calming stretch with the sound of water beside you. The valley feels untouched and wonderfully remote.

C) Steel House Gill

A small side gill cutting down from the moor. The landscape starts to open out here, with heather, grassland, and wide views.

D) Thorny Grane Gill & Ford

A proper old Yorkshire ford crossing. On wetter days it can be lively, but it’s a lovely feature and marks the transition from valley floor to moorland edge.

E) Flout Sike / Flout Sike Gill

A lonely little stream crossing on the climb up. This is where the walk starts to feel wild — big skies, rolling moor, and hardly a soul around.

F) Pot Moor High Road

A long, high moorland track with huge views across Colsterdale and beyond. This is the airy, open part of the walk — the kind of place you slow down just to take it all in.

G) Leighton Reservoir Views

As the track curves south, Leighton Reservoir appears below you. The descent gives you a sweeping panorama of water, woodland, and estate land.

H) Leighton Reservoir Track

Follow the estate road along the reservoir edge. It’s peaceful, reflective, and a total contrast to the wild moor above.

I) Return Through Leighton Estate

A gentle, easy finish along quiet lanes and tracks, gradually dropping back into the valley.

J) Back to Gollinglith Foot

The loop closes neatly back at the car park — a satisfying finish to a varied, scenic route.

⭐ Route Breakdown

1) Gollinglith Foot → River Burn

Head north from the car park and pick up the riverside path. Follow the Burn upstream as it winds through the valley.

2) River Burn → Steel House Gill → Thorny Grane Gill

Stay on the upper line of the river, passing the small gills feeding into it. Continue to the ford at Thorny Grane Gill.

3) Thorny Grane Gill → Flout Sike

Cross the ford and begin the steady climb onto the moor. Pass Flout Sike as the landscape opens out.

4) Flout Sike → Pot Moor High Road

Join the long moorland track. This is the high, open section with huge views.

5) Pot Moor High Road → Leighton Reservoir

Follow the track as it curves south and descends towards the reservoir.

6) Leighton Reservoir → Gollinglith Foot

Walk the estate road along the water, then follow lanes and tracks back to the car park.

Pick a place to Rest Up

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Walk

• It’s quiet — one of the least‑trodden corners of the Dales
• A perfect mix of valley, moorland, and reservoir
• Big skies and peaceful scenery
• A proper “switch off and wander” kind of day
• Easy navigation with a satisfying loop shape

⭐ Tips

Great in all seasons, especially autumn and winter for atmosphere

The moor can be exposed — take layers

The ford can be lively after rain

Parking is limited, so arrive early

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