Things to Do around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities including touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, and hiking. The area features diverse terrain within the North Pennines AONB, providing options for various skill levels. More than 32,000 visitors have shared their experiences, with an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars.

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir provides diverse cycling options, including road cycling, mountain biking, and touring cycling. Routes feature open moorland, tranquil reservoir edges, and connections to former railway paths like the Waskerley Way. Cyclists can find routes catering to various fitness levels, from moderate climbs to more accessible sections.

Yes, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir offers traffic-free bike rides, often utilizing former railway paths. These routes provide smooth sections for cyclists. More information can be found in the Traffic-free bike rides around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir guide.

Popular cycling routes include the Waskerley Way – Edmundbyers loop, which is approximately 33.6 miles (54.1 km) long and features significant elevation gain. Another option is the Hownsgill Viaduct – Waskerley Way loop, covering about 26.4 miles (42.5 km). The C2C cycle route also passes close to the reservoirs.

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is suitable for jogging, walking, and hiking. An easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) loop directly around the reservoir is a popular choice. Longer routes, such as a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) loop from Waskerley, explore the reservoir's perimeter and surrounding open country. Find more options in the Running Trails around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir guide.

Yes, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir offers accessible paths suitable for families and beginners. Easy loops directly around the reservoir are available for jogging and walking. For hiking, specific guides like Family-friendly hikes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir and Easy hikes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir provide suitable options.

The area around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir includes trails suitable for dogs. Visitors can find specific routes designed for dog walking. Refer to the Dog-friendly hikes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir guide for more information on suitable paths.

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is part of the North Pennines AONB, featuring extensive open moorland and tranquil reservoir edges. The landscape is particularly vibrant with blooming heather from August to September. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The area is home to diverse wildlife, including red grouse among the heather and red kites soaring in the sky. Other upland birds such as curlew, lapwing, snipe, and golden plover are also present. The reservoir and surrounding moorland are protected for their ecological importance.

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is owned and operated by Northumbrian Water. For leisure-related inquiries, their phone number is 0845 155 0236, available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General inquiries can be directed to 0345 717 1100, or visit their official website at www.nwl.co.uk.

Komoot offers several guides for Smiddy Shaw Reservoir, covering various activities. These include guides for Traffic-free bike rides, MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Running Trails. There are also guides for Hiking, including family-friendly and dog-friendly options.