VISITORS to Thruscross Reservoir between Skipton and Harrogate are enjoying less muddy walks thanks to a £40,000 upgrade of the paths.

The Yorkshire Water project has seen improvements to the four and a half miles of paths circling the reservoir, off the A59, and into the nearby woodland, much of which could get very muddy in wet weather.

It has included improvements to the drainage on the far side of the reservoir, and the laying of stone fragments on some parts of the path, and on steeper sections.

The walk around Thruscross is described as challenging, with steep climbs up on to the moors above the reservoir which form part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Alastair Harvey, recreation advisor for Yorkshire Water, said: “This work is part of a programme of maintenance and improvements at our sites across Yorkshire. We want people to be able to enjoy our land, using it as a gateway to getting out into God’s Own Country to enjoy the beautiful landscapes in the county we are all lucky to call home.”

The work compliments improvements made in 2016, where Yorkshire Water replaced two footbridges at the same site as part of its ongoing maintenance and improvement programme.

Millions of visitors take advantage of access to Yorkshire Water land each year. Many reservoirs have paths for walkers, some have specific biking routes and others, such as Scammonden Water, Winscar and Grimwith, are home to water sports. Yorkshire Water is the second largest landowner in Yorkshire, caring for 80,000 acres, including some of the most scenic spots in the county.