Top 7 Lakes around Wolsingham Park Moor Lands Cmn To Stanhope, Tow Law And Wolsingham

The region features several popular reservoirs. Derwent Reservoir is known for its expansive views, multi-user paths, and diverse activities like fishing and sailing. Smiddy Shaw Reservoir and Hisehope Reservoir are part of a group of three reservoirs offering pleasant hikes and wildlife spotting opportunities. Additionally, the Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is a favored trail for its scenic route and birdwatching.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Derwent Reservoir features Pow Hill Country Park with picnic tables, and Derwent Waterside Park which has a play park and a 12-acre dog field. The circular walks around Tunstall Reservoir, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir, and Hisehope Reservoir are generally suitable for families, though some paths can be narrow or rough.

You'll find a variety of trails. The Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is a popular 3 km route. Smiddy Shaw Reservoir and Hisehope Reservoir offer an easy, circular walk of about 1.8 miles. Derwent Reservoir provides multi-user paths, including a longer circular route that combines shore paths with local roads. For more extensive options, you can explore running trails in the area, such as the Hisehope & Smiddy Shaw reservoirs loop, which you can find in the Running Trails guide.

Yes, Derwent Reservoir offers disabled parking and accessible toilets. An all-terrain mobility Tramper is also available on weekends, making parts of the reservoir more accessible.

The region has a rich industrial history. Near the reservoirs, you can visit Sikehead Dam and the Jeffrey Smelt Mill chimney, which are remnants of the area's lead mining past. Tunstall Reservoir itself was constructed in 1879 to supply water to the Durham Coalfield towns, and Derwent Reservoir opened in 1967.

Yes, many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Derwent Reservoir even has a dedicated 12-acre dog field. Smiddy Shaw Reservoir and Hisehope Reservoir are also suitable for dog walks.

The reservoirs are excellent for wildlife spotting. Tunstall Reservoir is known for birdwatching, with sightings of kingfishers. The western end of Derwent Reservoir is a designated nature reserve, home to amphibians, invertebrates, and diverse flora. The south-facing slopes around Cronkley Bay are a basking habitat for reptiles like slow worms.

Yes, at Derwent Reservoir, you'll find a cafe and shop at Derwent Waterside Park. Tunstall Reservoir offers picnic tables and benches for visitors to bring their own refreshments.

Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, with routes like 'Hamsterley Forest Café – Pooh Stick Bridge loop', detailed in the Gravel Biking guide. Road cycling is also popular, with routes such as the 'National Byway (County Durham and Northumberland)' found in the Road Cycling Routes guide. Fishing is a major draw at Derwent Reservoir, where permits are available, and a sailing club is also based there.

No, entering the water for unauthorized swimming or cooling down is generally not allowed in the reservoirs, including Derwent Reservoir. These are primarily water supply reservoirs.

The landscape around the reservoirs changes beautifully with the seasons, offering different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the lush greenery and wildlife. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the surrounding forests. Even in winter, the well-maintained paths around reservoirs like Tunstall can be suitable for walks, offering a tranquil experience.