Wildlife spot
Scaling Dam Reservoir
By Jon Cosson · Updated 17 October 2026
A big sheet of open water on the northern moor edge, right beside the A171 between Whitby and Guisborough. The visitor route and bird hide are separate from the closed nature reserve.
Reservoir and wildlife
Scaling Dam is managed by Northumbrian Water through Waterside Parks. Its visitor site is open year-round. The reservoir attracts wildfowl in autumn and winter; passage birds use it in spring and autumn. The nature reserve is separate from the visitor route and has no public access.
Parking and paths
The visitor postcode is TS13 4TP. The reservoir walk starts by the sailing club car park, off the A171. A bird hide is nearby. The route includes grass, boardwalks, bridges and a stile, so it should not be described as wholly step-free.
Dogs and visiting etiquette
Waterside Parks welcomes dogs on leads. Keep to the visitor paths and outside the nature reserve, avoiding roosting birds. Unauthorised swimming and water sports are not permitted.
Sources checked October 2026: Waterside Parks Scaling Dam.
Map and how to get there
- Area
- A171 (northern moor edge)
- Coordinates
- 54.5030, -0.8840
- Parking
- Off-road parking available Check before you travel.
- Nearest fuel
- Whitby or Guisborough
- Access
- Partly step-free from the car park off the A171; the going to the hide is level but unsurfaced in places.
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