Scar House Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Scar House Reservoir is a large water storage lake at the top of Nidderdale Valley in England. The lake sits surrounded by hills and open moorland, accessible via a private road from the small village of Lofthouse.
The reservoir was constructed between 1921 and 1936 in a major engineering effort. A complete workers village was built to house the laborers, and traces of this era remain visible today through old quarry marks and abandoned railway lines scattered across the landscape.
The name Scar House refers to the marks left by quarrying in the landscape. These traces of past work are now woven into the character of the place and remind visitors of the human effort that shaped this land.
The site has two different walking routes: the southern path is flat and easy, while the northern path is rocky and hilly. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and expect mud during wet weather, especially on the more challenging route.
The area is an important birdwatching site where different species can be spotted across the seasons. A small cafe called The Cabin opens on Saturdays and offers a rest stop after walks, with views across the water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
