Top 6 Lakes around Chollerton

Several lakes in the wider Northumberland region are great for families. Colt Crag Reservoir is quietly situated with rich natural beauty, offering a relaxing stop. Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park provides a combination of lake and coastal scenery, watersports, a play park, and a cafe. Bolam Lake Country Park features an attractive and fully accessible lakeside walk, a visitor center, and a cafe, making it ideal for all ages.

For accessible trails, Kirkharle Serpentine Lake offers a fully accessible 1km pathway winding through the landscape. Bolam Lake Country Park also has an attractive and fully accessible lakeside walk, approximately 1 mile long, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The lakes around Chollerton and in the wider Northumberland area are rich in wildlife. Colt Crag Reservoir is popular with birdwatchers for species like the great crested grebe, cuckoo, and house martin. Whittledean Reservoir offers potential for spotting herons. Kielder Water is a haven for red squirrels, ospreys, and water voles, while Bolam Lake is home to roe deer, red squirrels, and various waterfowl. Wydon Burn Reservoir reed bed provides cover for nesting aquatic birds.

Yes, there are numerous options for hiking and running. Kielder Water offers miles of beautiful trails, including the 26-mile multi-user Lakeside Way. For more local options, you can explore various running trails around Chollerton, including routes like the 'Public Toilet – Road to Matfen loop from Great Whittington' or the 'Great Whittington WWI Memorial – View from Great Wittington loop'. Find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails around Chollerton guide.

Kielder Water is excellent for watersports such as water skiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park also offers kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and wild swimming opportunities.

Yes, Kirkharle Serpentine Lake was designed by the famed landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who was born there in 1716. The lake and its parkland were completed in 2010 based on his rediscovered plans. Additionally, Crag Lough is a natural lake located on the north side of Hadrian's Wall, offering a scenic part of the historic Hadrian's Wall path.

Kielder Water and Forest Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for stargazing due to its low light pollution. It's one of the best places in the UK to observe the night sky.

Yes, Sweethope Loughs are two freshwater fishing lakes that were originally created in 1730 to power a corn mill. Kielder Water is also a popular spot for trout angling.

For easy walks, the accessible lakeside path at Bolam Lake Country Park is approximately 1 mile long and suitable for all. The 1km pathway at Kirkharle Serpentine Lake also offers a gentle stroll through historic parkland.

Absolutely. Kielder Water boasts dedicated mountain bike tracks and the 26-mile multi-user Lakeside Way, suitable for cyclists. For gravel biking, you can find various routes around Chollerton, including challenging options like the 'View from Outer Butt Hill – Bellingham Bridge loop from Bellingham' or moderate routes such as the 'Wyate Bridge – View of the Road to Falstone loop from Stonehaugh'. Explore more in the Gravel biking around Chollerton guide.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for watersports and longer walks. Autumn provides stunning foliage, particularly in forested areas like Kielder, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp landscapes, especially for stargazing at Kielder Water.

Kielder Water and Forest Park is an excellent choice for a full day, featuring visitor centers, Kielder Castle, luxury lodge accommodation, and a wide range of activities. Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park also provides a visitor center, cafe, and play park, alongside its lake and coastal attractions.