4.6
(734)
4,242
hikers
132
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Hunderthwaite explore the varied terrain of the Pennines, characterized by expansive moorlands and dales with distinctive stepped profiles. The region is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its geology and diverse flora. Hikers can find routes along the River Tees and around several scenic reservoirs, offering a range of natural features. This landscape provides a backdrop for outdoor activities, including accessible walking routes.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.8
(10)
53
hikers
4.84km
01:15
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hike around the tranquil Hury Reservoir, a perfect escape into the North Pennines AONB. This circular route spans 3.0 miles (4.8 km) with a gentle elevation…
4.5
(4)
19
hikers
4.22km
01:07
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(3)
15
hikers
4.69km
01:14
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Open 10-4 everyday except Tuesday. Great coffee and cake, bacon/sausage butties. Enough bike parking for a group ride, plus a maintenance station with pump and tools. Walkers, runners, kayakers and dogs all welcome!
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Fantastic place to stop for lunch, or coffee and cake. Safe bike-parking round the back. Open 10-4 every day (closed Tuesdays).
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Blackton Reservoir is a beautiful stretch of water that is home to a great deal of wildlife. The area around the western end of the reservoir is protected as a nature reserve. Nearby, Hannah's Meadows has been designated as a site of special scientific interest due to them having many species of grass and herbs which are threatened elsewhere.
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Among the three reservoirs, Balderhead is the one located furthest to the west. It takes its waters from the River Balder, a tributary of the River Tees, and was built in 1961.
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What3Words Location = ///beam.hindered.glorious
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The footbridge over the narrow tail end of Hury Reservoir below the dam of Blackton Reservoir. A useful alternative to crossing the dam.
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Hury reservoir was completed in 1892. It's the lowest in a series of three reservoirs on the river Balder designed to control the river flow and provide water to the people and industry of Teesdale.
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Hard climb to get up but what a stunning view from Balderhead Dam looking out towards Blackton and Hury reservoirs
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Hunderthwaite and its surrounding area offer a wide selection of easy hiking trails. There are 48 easy routes available, forming part of over 130 total hiking options in the region.
Yes, many easy trails in the Hunderthwaite area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Hury Reservoir Circular Trail, which is 3 miles long and offers scenic views of the reservoir and countryside.
The Pennines region around Hunderthwaite is generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for walks with your canine companion. However, always be mindful of livestock, especially on moorlands and near farms, and keep dogs on a lead where necessary. Specific route details on komoot often indicate dog-friendliness.
Yes, the area offers several easy walks perfect for families. Trails around the reservoirs, such as Grassholme Reservoir, provide serene and relatively flat paths suitable for all ages. The Blackton Reservoir – Balderhead Reservoir Car Park loop from Hannah's Meadows SSSI is another gentle option, just over 2 miles long.
Easy hikes around Hunderthwaite showcase the diverse landscape of the North Pennines AONB. You'll encounter expansive moorlands, dales with distinctive stepped profiles, and serene reservoirs like Balderhead and Blackton. The region is also known for its unique geology and diverse flora, especially in areas like Hannah's Meadows SSSI.
While many easy trails focus on natural beauty, some routes pass near notable landmarks. For instance, the dramatic High Force Waterfall is a spectacular sight, and while the main path to it is easy, some surrounding walks can be more challenging. The historic Wynch Bridge also offers an interesting crossing over the River Tees.
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for easy hikes, with warmer weather and blooming heather on the moorlands. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the dales. While winter walks are possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy paths, especially in exposed areas.
Yes, you can find easy routes that incorporate a visit to a local pub. The Fox and Hounds Pub – The Old Chapel Café loop from Cotherstone is an easy 2.6-mile path that features gentle gradients and passes by local establishments. The famous Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, is also a landmark for hikers, though routes directly to it might involve more elevation.
The easy hiking trails around Hunderthwaite are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 690 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet beauty of the reservoir paths, the well-maintained trails, and the stunning views across the Pennine landscape.
Many easy walks in the Hunderthwaite area offer excellent viewpoints, particularly those around the reservoirs and on slightly elevated sections of the dales. The View from Balderhead Dam – Blackton Reservoir loop from Hannah's Meadows SSSI provides scenic vistas across the water bodies and surrounding countryside.
While Hunderthwaite is a rural area, some nearby villages like Middleton-in-Teesdale offer limited bus services. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus timetables is recommended if you intend to rely on public transport to reach trailheads. Many trails are more easily accessed by car.


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