The guardians of our precious water have always known they have been sitting on a recreational treasure - a secret privy to a few, mostly those enjoying water sports.

Tradition had it that for the sake of hygiene, the Yorkshire reservoirs and surrounding landscape had broadly to be kept out of bounds.

But with huge improvements in water treatment, Yorkshire Water has felt confident it can open up its vast tracts of unspoiled countryside for the enjoyment of the public whose only previous contact with the company came through a tap.

This policy change has led to its campaign "Only Available in Yorkshire" which is designed to promote access and enjoyment of its 75,000 acres of countryside.

Yorkshire Water is piloting the project in the Washburn valley, between Harrogate and Skipton, where it has spent about £130,000 on improving recreational facilities.

Visitors to Swinsty reservoir, who in the past were greeted with just a car park and basic facilities, now can enjoy waymarked foopaths, bridleways and cycle tracks. There are special facilities for riders to unhitch and saddle up their horses and information signs showing various routes and the flora and forna to be found.

Similar facilities - such as benches, resting spots, barbecue points, boot and bike-washing troughs and picnic tables - are also provided at two other Gateway sites in the Washburn valley - Fewston and Thruscross.

It's an initiative backed by top Yorkshire celebrities like BBC Countryfile host John Craven, BBC Look North's Harry Gration, actress Gaynor Faye and model Nell McAndrew, the face of Yorkshire water, who have each produced podcast walks.

"Yorkshire Water has embarked on a long-term strategy to provide its customers with more knowledge of its land and reservoirs, giving them the information they need to make choices about what they do and where they can go in their leisure time," said Mr Craven, who guides us round Fewston.

Harry Gration records a walk around Swinsty, highlighting the wildlife and some of the history, including the tale of Timble witches.

Gaynor Faye recounts the history of spectacular Scar House at the top of Nidderdale and Nell McAndrew takes people on a walk around Langsett at Stocksbridge, near Penistone.

Geoff Lomas, catchment and recreation manager, said: "Research in 2004 suggested our customers were largely satisfied with our recreation sites - but they wanted something more.

"Their opinions inspired us to examine what else we can do to enhance our land and reservoirs without spoiling the essential peace and tranquility.

"Over the last two years we've been working closely with partners, like Bradford Ornithological Group and Wharfedale Naturalists' Society, to create new views and vistas, planting woodlands and improving wildlife habitats.

"We are attracting new colonies of birds, including buzzards, nightjars and long-eared owls, mammals and insects to areas where they may not have been for many years.

"Visitors have a better idea of what to expect when they get there, helping to give people the confidence to head out into the countryside."

But the initiative doesn't stop there. Investment had been made in creating a new microsite on the Yorkshire Water website www.yorkshirewater.com/recreation.

It lists more than 30 walks around the reservoirs, highlights the different wildlife habitats, indicates where horses and bikes can be ridden and which areas are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Mr Lomas's colleague Bob Baxter, the company's recreation manager, said: "There is enough information on the website to make a journey from armchair to countryside much easier."