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North East England

Elsdon

Top 7 Lakes around Elsdon

Best lakes around Elsdon, a historic village in Northumberland, England, provide access to diverse natural water features. The region is characterized by tranquil countryside views, woodlands, and open landscapes. These lakes offer opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation within a rural setting.

Best lakes around Elsdon

  • The most popular lakes is Harbottle Lake, an other natural feature known for its serene atmosphere. Visitors can experience fantastic views, though caution is advised due to the boggy terrain surrounding the…

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Harbottle Lake

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Here, you are afforded a fantastic view over the serene Harbottle Lake. Please be aware, though, the bog surrounding the lake is dangerous with very deep water underneath it, so make sure you do not stray from the footpath.

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Colt Crag Reservoir

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Quietly situated reservoir with rich natural beauty, built in the late 19th century as part of the drinking water system for Newcastle and Gateshead. Surrounded by woodland and bush, and …

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Darden Pike Trig Point

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If you fancy a little wander to a gorgeous little lake in the middle of nowhere than get yourself along to Darden Lough. This short but tough little walk has …

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Lough Hill Pond

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Lough Hill pond is just a small pond, I can not call it a lake. The surface along here is a bit more rugged and slower to ride on.

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Fontburn Reservoir

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Great place to stop but bring your own food - only a hut for fishing supplies and bait.. Coffee machine and Mars/snickers only

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Popular around Elsdon

Hiking around Elsdon

MTB Trails around Elsdon

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Ronnie
April 29, 2026, Darden Pike Trig Point

Darden Pike 375.84m P20.2 (1233ft) (Hill ID: 504121) [JNSA 30053] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.

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great ride past the reservoir

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Quietly situated reservoir with rich natural beauty, built in the late 19th century as part of the drinking water system for Newcastle and Gateshead. Surrounded by woodland and bush, and popular with birdwatchers for species such as the great crested grebe, cuckoo and house martin. Ideal for a relaxing stop by the water, with views of the tranquil countryside and a touch of ecological diversity.

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Nice view, good tracks

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Lough Hill pond is just a small pond, I can not call it a lake. The surface along here is a bit more rugged and slower to ride on.

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If you fancy a little wander to a gorgeous little lake in the middle of nowhere than get yourself along to Darden Lough. This short but tough little walk has a bit of everything in what is really quite a short distance. However the views and the secluded nature of this trig pointed and cairned summit are definitely worth it.

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Dan Hobson
October 10, 2023, Harbottle Lake

Here, you are afforded a fantastic view over the serene Harbottle Lake. Please be aware, though, the bog surrounding the lake is dangerous with very deep water underneath it, so make sure you do not stray from the footpath.

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mkirby
August 21, 2023, Harbottle Lake

"The lonely tarn is of considerable area; the water is always pure, there being a spring in the centre. No Diatomes could be detected in the Sphagnum. The depth of water is unknown. It used to be said that the water is so cold, that those who attempt to swim across, receive such a shock, that they are paralysed and sink. There is no recollection, however, of any who have tried the experiment, having been drowned, and several have accomplished the feat. Some will say that the water which has no visible outlet permeates the intermediate strata, and re-appears at Our Lady's Well at Holystone." History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club Vol.12 (1887-1889).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Elsdon?

The lakes around Elsdon offer diverse natural beauty. You can find tranquil countryside views, woodlands, and open landscapes. For instance, Colt Crag Reservoir is surrounded by woodland and bush, providing serene views and ecological diversity. Harbottle Lake is known for its fantastic, serene views.

Are there any family-friendly lakes in the Elsdon area?

Yes, Fontburn Reservoir is noted as a family-friendly lake and a suitable stop for those exploring the area. Additionally, Ravenscleugh Swimming Lake offers a private and accessible spot for swimming and paddling, which can be enjoyable for families.

Where can I go for wild swimming near Elsdon?

Ravenscleugh Swimming Lake, located at Ravenscleugh Farm, is a private swimming lake ideal for wild swimming. It features easy access, a pontoon for jumping, and an island, with depths reaching approximately 10 feet in summer and shallow areas for paddling.

Are there opportunities for birdwatching around Elsdon's lakes?

Yes, Colt Crag Reservoir is particularly popular with birdwatchers. You can spot species such as the great crested grebe, cuckoo, and house martin there, making it an ideal spot for observing ecological diversity.

What kind of historical significance do the lakes around Elsdon have?

Some lakes in the area have historical roots. For example, Colt Crag Reservoir was constructed in the late 19th century as a vital part of the drinking water system for Newcastle and Gateshead.

Are there any secluded or 'hidden gem' lakes worth visiting?

Yes, Darden Lough is described as a 'gorgeous little lake in the middle of nowhere.' It offers rewarding views and a sense of being truly off the beaten path, perfect for adventurers seeking a tranquil escape, though it requires a short but challenging walk to the Darden Pike Trig Point.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

The area around Elsdon's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, cycling routes, and road cycling options. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Walk from Bellingham' or the 'Elsdon village loop.' For cycling, there are routes like 'Morpeth Castle – The Beresford Arms loop.' You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes around Elsdon guide and the cycling around Elsdon guide.

Are there specific walking trails around the lakes?

While specific marked trails around every lake are not detailed, many lakes, like Harbottle Lake, have footpaths. Be aware that the terrain around Harbottle Lake can be boggy, so staying on marked paths is crucial. The walk to Darden Lough via Darden Pike Trig Point is also a notable, albeit challenging, walk.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Elsdon?

Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere and fantastic views, particularly at Harbottle Lake. The quiet natural beauty and opportunities for birdwatching at Colt Crag Reservoir are also highly valued. The secluded nature and rewarding views of places like Darden Lough appeal to those seeking an escape.

Are there any accommodations or amenities directly at the lakes?

Ravenscleugh Swimming Lake, a private wild swimming spot, also offers B&B accommodation directly at Ravenscleugh Farm. For other lakes, amenities like cafes or pubs would typically be found in nearby villages such as Elsdon or Harbottle.

Is Lough Hill Pond suitable for a visit?

Lough Hill Pond is a small pond offering nice views. The surface around it can be a bit rugged, which might make it slower for activities like riding, but it's still a pleasant spot for a stop.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Elsdon? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

NorthumberlandCounty DurhamPeltonOustonStanhopeNorth LodgeWarkShotley Low QuarterKielderFalstoneTarsetEdmondsleyStanleyGreysteadLanchesterHenshawWaldridgeWolsinghamLunedaleNewbigginBournmoorLittle LumleyPlenmeller With WhitfieldSimonburnHexhamshireThirlwallSeaton ValleyBlythFramwellgate MoorMelkridgeKimblesworth And PlawsworthGreat LumleyBardon MillHolwickHaltwhistleGreenheadStanningtonCramlingtonHaydonHealeyHunstanworthBowesAllendaleBlanchlandGatesheadMuggleswickEdmondbyersHunderthwaiteLartingtonCotherstoneRomaldkirkEgglestonMickletonMiddleton In TeesdaleWitton GilbertHeddon-On-The-WallWolsingham Park Moor Lands Cmn To Stanhope, Tow Law And WolsinghamPontelandSlaleyFeatherstoneNewbroughHedleyWallington DemesneKirkwhelpingtonMarwoodWardenSeaton With SlingleyPittingtonBelmontHealeyfieldWest RaintonMurtonNewbiggin By The SeaBurnhopeBroomley and StocksfieldGilmonbyCoanwoodSacristonWhittingtonHartleyburnBoldronMatfenLangleydale And ShottonWest BedlingtonDalton-Le-DaleHaswellWiddrington Station And StobswoodTritlington And West ChevingtonThornleyEllington And LintonKelloeCoxhoeEast ChevingtonWiddrington VillageCresswellCassop-Cum-QuarringtonUlghamAshingtonSouth HettonBrandon And ByshottlesCorbridgeSatleySpennymoorThirstonNunnykirkRothleyCapheatonPrudhoeNorth TynesideCorsensideChollertonWheatley HillHollinghillScargillBywellForest And FrithLonghirstLynemouthBroomhaugh And RidingCornforthTogstonAcklingtonShadforthNethertonSnitterThroptonHeppleWhitton And TossonEast BedlingtonChoppingtonSedgefieldBrancepethEshStamfordhamNetherwittonSouth BedburnHarbottleBavingtonHexhamHumshaughMordonFeltonNewton-On-The-Moor And SwarlandKnaresdale With KirkhaughBellinghamBelsayHesleyhurstRothburyRochesterLonghorsleyDenwickHepscott

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