Top 20 Lakes in County Durham

County Durham's lakes, primarily reservoirs, are set within diverse natural landscapes. You can find moorlands, valleys, and significant ecological sites. For example, Cow Green Reservoir and Dam is known for rare alpine plants and unique rock formations like sugar limestone and the Great Whin Sill. Blackton Reservoir features a protected nature reserve and nearby Hannah's Meadows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its diverse flora.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walks. Hurworth Burn Reservoir is noted for pleasant, family-friendly walks. Grassholme Reservoir has a serene circular footpath suitable for all ages. Additionally, Low Barns Nature Reserve offers flat, well-maintained paths and boardwalks, making it very accessible for families.

Many of County Durham's lakes are dog-friendly. Burnhope Reservoir is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering scenic views. Derwent Reservoir and Grassholme Reservoir are also listed as dog-friendly, providing ample space for walks with your canine companion.

Wild swimming is permitted at Derwent Reservoir, though it requires pre-booking and fees for non-members on specific days. Boating is also an option at Derwent Reservoir. For other reservoirs, it's generally not allowed for unauthorized swimming or cooling down, so always check local regulations before entering the water.

For birdwatching and wildlife, Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is known for kingfisher sightings. Blackton Reservoir has a protected nature reserve and an accessible bird hide. Low Barns Nature Reserve, with its mixed wetland and woodland, is excellent for spotting diverse bird species like Bittern and Kingfisher, as well as Otters. Castle Lake is also a crucial ecological site with 183 recorded bird species.

Yes, Low Barns Nature Reserve is particularly well-suited, offering flat, well-maintained paths and boardwalks that are wheelchair accessible. While the Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is generally pleasant, the path on the east side can be narrow and rough, making it less suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.

The region around County Durham's lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including those that link to the Pennine Way near Balderhead Reservoir. For cycling, Derwent Reservoir offers cycle hire and expansive routes. You can explore more options for waterfall hikes, road cycling, and general cycling routes in County Durham.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer dramatic, rugged beauty, especially in areas like Cow Green Reservoir. The region is also known for its dark skies, making any clear night a good time for stargazing.

While the lakes themselves are mostly man-made reservoirs, some are situated in historically significant areas. Cow Green Reservoir is located on the Pennine Way, a famous long-distance walking trail. Nearby, you can find Cauldron Snout, a spectacular waterfall downstream from the dam. Additionally, Sikehead Dam and the Jeffrey Smelt Mill chimney offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

Several reservoirs in County Durham are recognized as dark sky friendly sites, offering excellent stargazing. Cow Green Reservoir, Grassholme Reservoir, and Balderhead Reservoir are all known for their incredibly dark skies, with Grassholme even hosting the Grassholme Observatory nearby for an enhanced astronomy experience.

Yes, combining walks between reservoirs is a popular option, especially in the North Pennines. For instance, walks around Balderhead Reservoir can be linked with neighboring Hury and Blackton Reservoirs. Hisehope Reservoir also offers the opportunity to connect with other nearby reservoirs.

Facilities vary by location. Derwent Reservoir offers a food kiosk, public toilets, a ranger base, and cycle hire. Burnhope Reservoir has parking spots at both ends of the dam and rest spots with benches. Low Barns Nature Reserve features a visitor centre with a cafe and toilets.