Top 10 Lakes around Lunedale

Lunedale is home to several picturesque reservoirs. Grassholme Reservoir is particularly noted for its beautiful views, rich wildlife, and natural flora, offering a serene atmosphere. Selset Reservoir also provides breathtaking views, surrounded by the stunning North Pennine grouse moors.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walking opportunities. The circular footpath around Grassholme Reservoir is suitable for various abilities and ages. Burnhope Reservoir also features a peaceful path surrounding it, popular with hikers and dog walkers. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Lunedale.

The reservoirs in Lunedale hold fascinating historical connections. During periods of low rainfall at Grassholme Reservoir, an old Packhorse Bridge, the original channel of the River Lune, and a drowned mill can reappear, offering a glimpse into the area before its construction. Similarly, the village of Burnhope was submerged under Burnhope Reservoir when its dam was completed in 1937.

Beyond walking, Lunedale's lakes offer diverse activities. Grassholme Reservoir is excellent for fishing, bird spotting, and watersports like sailing, windsurfing, and paddle sports through the Teesdale Sailing and Watersports Club. Selset Reservoir is renowned for wild brown trout fishing. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various routes, including those around Grassholme Reservoir, which you can find in the cycling guide for Lunedale.

Yes, Blackton Reservoir is a beautiful stretch of water home to a great deal of wildlife, with the area around its western end protected as a nature reserve. Grassholme Reservoir is also rich in wildlife and natural flora, making it a good spot for bird spotting.

Grassholme Reservoir is recognized as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, providing impressive opportunities for stargazing with a dedicated observatory.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activity. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and watersports. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can provide tranquil, scenic walks, especially around reservoirs like Selset, where the overspill during high water levels is an impressive sight.

While many lake walks are gentle, the broader Lunedale area offers more challenging routes. For instance, the Cow Green Reservoir and Dam area serves as a starting point for various outdoor activities, including more demanding hikes. You can find more challenging options in the MTB Trails around Lunedale guide, which also lists some difficult routes that can be adapted for hiking.

Parking is generally available near the popular reservoirs. For example, Cow Green Reservoir has a large car park nearby. Burnhope Reservoir also offers parking spots at both ends of its dam.

Cow Green Reservoir, completed in 1971, is notable for its significant role in supplying water to Teesside and controlling the flow of the River Tees. The area surrounding it is an important habitat for rare alpine plants, making it a unique ecological site. The famous waterfall, Cauldron Snout, is also located nearby.

Yes, if you're seeking tranquility, Selset Reservoir offers a more remote and peaceful experience compared to its neighbor, Grassholme. Its vast expanse and surrounding grouse moors provide a sense of escape, ideal for quiet walks and picnics.

Grassholme Reservoir is noted for having a walk around the reservoir that is suitable for various abilities, including being wheelchair accessible, offering a serene experience for everyone.