Tunstall Reservoir, a region in County Durham within the North Pennines National Landscape, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area features a man-made reservoir, lush woodlands, and expansive meadows, providing varied terrain for exploration. Visitors can engage in several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and more, amidst its natural beauty. This setting makes Tunstall Reservoir a destination for those seeking active outdoor experiences.
Tunstall Reservoir provides a variety of…
89
Routes
4.6
(111)
Average rating
1322
People visited

4.4
(12)
122
hikers
3.16km
00:50
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(19)
71
hikers
7.43km
01:57
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(3)
45
hikers
13.4km
03:42
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(6)
30
hikers
6.01km
01:45
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
runners
7.64km
00:51
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
runners
48.2km
06:04
1,130m
1,130m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
10.1km
01:06
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
5.52km
00:35
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
157
riders
36.7km
03:27
870m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

61
riders
36.5km
03:27
760m
760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
19
riders
54.1km
03:18
450m
450m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
16
riders
24.3km
01:31
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
62
riders
108km
04:58
1,310m
1,310m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

26
riders
49.3km
02:32
760m
760m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

14
riders
42.6km
02:05
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
20.7km
00:52
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.0
(4)
47
riders
43.4km
02:22
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
19
riders
52.5km
02:55
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

22
riders
52.8km
04:01
1,110m
1,110m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
9
riders
38.9km
02:07
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
67.5km
05:45
1,460m
1,460m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.0
(1)
4
riders
45.9km
03:42
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
4
riders
41.4km
02:44
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tunstall Reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. The region features diverse landscapes such as the reservoir, woodlands, and meadows. More than 14,000 visitors have explored the area, with activities rated an average of 4.49 out of 5 stars.
A popular option is the 2-mile (3.2 km) Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk, which provides scenic views. Longer routes, such as the 7.5-mile (12 km) Wolsingham and Tunstall Reservoir Loop, offer a moderate challenge. Additional hiking options are available in the guide Hiking around Tunstall Reservoir.
Yes, Tunstall Reservoir offers easy strolls suitable for various abilities. The 2-mile (3.2 km) Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is a popular easy option. For more choices, consult the guide Easy hikes around Tunstall Reservoir.
Tunstall Reservoir provides paths suitable for families. The 2-mile (3.2 km) Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is a gentle route. Further family-friendly options can be found in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Tunstall Reservoir.
Tunstall Reservoir offers dog-friendly hiking opportunities. Specific routes and guidelines for walking with dogs are available. Refer to the guide Dog-friendly hikes around Tunstall Reservoir for more information.
The region offers both road and off-road cycling options, including country lanes on the western side of the reservoir. Sections of the Waskerley Way (Sustrans Route 7) and the Lanchester Valley Railway Path (Sustrans Route 14) are accessible. Explore more in the guide Cycling around Tunstall Reservoir.
The reservoir itself, completed in 1879, is a central feature, offering tranquil waters. It is surrounded by lush woodlands, including the Backstone Bank and Baal Hill Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Meadows around the reservoir are home to wildflowers, and a marshy area protects the rare Thread rush.
Tunstall Reservoir is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 14,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The activities in the region have an average rating of 4.49 out of 5 stars. There are 6 total routes recorded in the region.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Tunstall Reservoir, covering various activities and interests. Examples include Easy hikes around Tunstall Reservoir, Running Trails around Tunstall Reservoir, and Cycling around Tunstall Reservoir.
An official website specifically for Tunstall Reservoir as a visitor destination is not readily available. Information is often provided by local tourism sites or Northumbrian Water, which operates the reservoir. The phone number for Northumbrian Water is +443457171100.
Trails at Tunstall Reservoir feature a mix of terrain, including farmland field paths, forest tracks, and quiet roads. Some routes involve gradual but steady elevation gains. Jogging routes explore reservoir-side paths, common land, and river valleys.
Tunstall Reservoir offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Birdwatchers may observe species like kingfishers and herons near the water. The surrounding woodlands and meadows are home to wildlife such as deer and rabbits.

