Top 6 Lakes around Belmont
Best lakes around Belmont offer diverse natural and recreational experiences. The area features various bodies of water, from serene natural reserves to active country parks. These lakes provide opportunities for outdoor activities and tranquil escapes. Visitors can explore a range of landscapes, including wooded areas and open parklands.
Best lakes around Belmont
- The most popular lakes is Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, an other natural feature that offers a unique recreational space for model boating enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by lush scenery and has plenty of picnic spaces and benches.
- Another must-see spot is Hetton Lyons Lake, a facility centered around water sports. Visitors can find a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre within this pretty park.
- Visitors also love Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock, a viewpoint with several fishing jetties. These spots offer beautiful places to sit and relax.
- Belmont is known for its natural lakes, man-made parks, and viewpoints. These include sites of special scientific interest and areas designed for family-friendly activities.
- The lakes around Belmont are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 40 upvotes and 7 photos shared.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park
Highlight • Natural
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Herrington Country Park
Highlight • Parking
It's a great place for a run with lots of good trails that you can use to create a loop of the park or options to make a longer run by including the nearby Penshaw Hill, River Wear trails or linking it to a start point in the city.
There is a parkrun here every Saturday.
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Hetton Lyons Lake
Highlight • Rest Area
It has a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre.
It was once the site of a coal mine, operating for almost 130 years. The colliery closed in 1950.
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Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
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Brasside Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The Model Boating Lake in Herrington Country Park is a charming feature of the park that offers a unique recreational space for model boating enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by lush scenery and has plenty of picnic spaces and benches.
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Hetton Lyons Country Park is a pretty park centred around a water sports lake. It has a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre. It was once the site of a coal mine, operating for almost 130 years. The colliery closed in 1950.
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Herrington Country Park is a large open public space to the south of Sunderland. The park is built on the site of a former colliery with the lakes filling depressions created by the mining and some of the hills covering old spoil heaps. It's a great place for a run with lots of good trails that you can use to create a loop of the park or options to make a longer run by including the nearby Penshaw Hill, River Wear trails or linking it to a start point in the city. There is a parkrun here every Saturday.
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Hidden away next to the prison, two large ponds created by flooding old clay pits. Important wildfowl breeding spot.
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Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Two large ponds, the result of flooding of old clay pits. Important breeding site for wildfowl.
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Park at the small car park accessed by Frankland Lane which runs adjacent to HMP Frankland. Taking the top path, you get superb views of Durham Cathedral and there is also a vantage point over the East Coast Mainline (train). This is accessed by a set of steps adjacent to the lake which is approximately half way along the top path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Belmont for visitors?
Visitors particularly enjoy Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, which offers a unique space for model boating amidst lush scenery. Another favorite is Hetton Lyons Lake, known for its water sports facilities and a cafe. The Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock is also popular for its beautiful fishing jetties and tranquil spots to relax.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Belmont?
Yes, several lakes around Belmont are great for families. Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park has plenty of picnic spaces and benches. Hetton Lyons Lake offers water sports and a cafe. Additionally, Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve and Brasside Pond are also categorized as family-friendly, providing natural settings for exploration.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes near Belmont?
The lakes around Belmont offer diverse natural features. At Model Boating Lake, you'll find lush scenery. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve features forests and trails with superb views, including glimpses of Durham Cathedral. Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, important for wildfowl breeding, formed from flooded old clay pits.
Are there hiking or walking trails near the lakes in Belmont?
Yes, there are several opportunities for hiking and walking. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve has trails, and if you take the top path, you can get superb views. For more extensive options, you can explore the running trails around Belmont, which include routes like the Durham Riverside Walk loop.
What water-based activities are available at the lakes?
At Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, model boating is a popular activity. Hetton Lyons Lake is centered around water sports, offering various facilities for enthusiasts.
Can I go cycling near the lakes around Belmont?
Absolutely. The area around Belmont offers various cycling routes. You can find options like the Pittington Way Railway Path – Hetton Lyons Lake loop, which is an easy ride, or the Silver Heron Sculpture – Brasside Ponds loop. For more cycling options, check out the cycling guide for Belmont.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, Hetton Lyons Lake has a cafe located within the Springboard Adventure centre, making it a convenient spot for refreshments while visiting the park.
What kind of wildlife can be observed at the lakes?
Brasside Pond is particularly notable as an important breeding site for wildfowl, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The natural reserves around the lakes generally support diverse local wildlife.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
While not directly historical sites, Hetton Lyons Lake is located in a park that was once the site of a coal mine, operating for almost 130 years until its closure in 1950. Additionally, from Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve, you can get superb views of Durham Cathedral, a significant historical landmark.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Belmont?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and tranquil escapes offered by the lakes. They enjoy the lush scenery at places like Model Boating Lake, the water sports at Hetton Lyons Lake, and the peaceful spots for sitting and relaxing at the Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock. The natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities are highly valued.
Are there opportunities for gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, gravel biking is a popular activity in the wider Belmont area. You can find routes like the Lanchester Valley Path – River Browney loop near Brasside Ponds SSSI. For more options, explore the gravel biking guide for Belmont.
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