Looking into Guisecliffe Tarn, Nidderdale

Guisecliffe Tarn

Guisecliffe Tarn can be found nestled on the hillside just above Glasshouses, near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. It’s a super peaceful place for a snack stop and stone throw!

This circular walk starts and ends in Glasshouses.

Looking for a walk to Guisecliffe Tarn?

Then here is our super family friendly circular walk to Guisecliffe Tarn! Just what you were looking for right? Located in Nidderdale, above Glasshouses near Pateley Bridge this stunningly peaceful tarn is a great spot for a little picnic and stone throwing break! This circular walk takes you through some magical lush green woodland and offers stunning views across Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (not that the kids will care much about that!)

This route guide is to be used in conjunction with a map.

Climbing across mossy rocks underneath a bare tree

Walk details for Guisecliffe Tarn

Distance: 3 miles

Terrain: For the most part, well walked footpaths. The paths through the woodland can get VERY muddy. There is some ascent at the start of this walk (915 feet).

Parking: On street parking in Glasshouses near Glasshouses Dam. Do not block access to gateways or properties.

Public Transport: Nearest bust stop is Glasshouses Lane End. Check out the bus timetable on the Harrogate Transdev Bus website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control

Location: Glasshouses near Pateley Bridge, Nidderdale

What 3 Words: type.wound.gently

Toilets/ Baby Change: Nearest is Pateley Bridge.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Nearest is Pateley Bridge.

Jumping from one rock to another with Nidderdale in the background

A couple of great leaping rocks on the ascent to Guisecliff Woods

How to walk to Guisecliff Tarn

Directions (To be used in conjunction with a map)

  1. Wherever you manage to park, head down to the road bridge over the River Nidd near Glasshouses Dam. This is your starting point (also the what 3 words location for the parking)

  2. Continue over the bridge. The road you are on bends round to the right in the direction of Bewerley. At this point take the residential road that forks off this road, heading left.

  3. Follow that lane as it heads leftwards. You will pass a property on your left, then a farm on your right. There is a little pond on your right and then just after that, a farm track that shoots off to the right uphill.

  4. Follow this track as it climbs to a metal gate, then go through. Turn left after the gate, the path follows the perimeter of the field heading up the hill.

  5. At the top of the field you will reach a metal gate in the wall. Go through this and turn right. The grassy track is wide and easy to spot and takes you through the ferns. It heads uphill in a zig zag until it reaches the very top right hand corner of the field where there is another metal gate with a yellow waymarker on it. Head through this gate and into the woodland of Guiscliff Tarn.

  6. Here the path is wide and easy to follow however there are a number of fallen trees that you will have to clamber over. We think this makes it all the better!

  7. Head past the remains of the old quarry where there is loads to explore and lots of trees to climb! The path will begin to descend towards the tarn. Take a little wander to edge where there are some great picnic spots!

  8. After the tarn, head past the giant rocks, keeping then on your left. The path continues down through the woodland then bends round to the left. Rather than following this as it leads straight on, head right continuing downhill on the wide muddy track.

  9. You will continue down until you reach the lower wall of the woodland, where the path turns right and heads along the wall until there is a gap in it on your left and some stone steps down towards some houses. Head along the narrow walled path until you reach the access track to the properties.

  10. Here continue down the lane as it passes some more properties and then winds back down towards Glasshouses.

Last walked March 2023

Walking towards the water of the tarn with a giant rock next to

The rocks next to Guiscliff Tarn

Walking down the track back to Glasshouses

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

🐸 In the Spring, this is a great place to go frog hunting and you can find plenty of frog spawn too!

🌲 There may not be a park on this walk, but there are plenty of trees to climb!

🍫 Why not head over to Pateley Bridge to check out the Oldest Sweet Shop (and there’s a park there too!)

🌳 why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Child sitting in the tree
The ruins of St Mary's Church above Pateley Bridge

More Pateley Bridge walks please?

We have so many walks based in and around Nidderdale, but if you want to head over to the pretty market town of Pateley Bridge, you can find the start to our walk to St Mary’s Church ruins!

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