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Balderhead Reservoir

Discover

Balderhead Reservoir

Things to Do around Balderhead Reservoir

Balderhead Reservoir is a region situated in Baldersdale, County Durham, within the expansive North Pennine moors. This area is characterized by its wild moorland scenery, vast open spaces, and an upland setting that provides long views and big skies. As part of a chain of three reservoirs on the River Balder, Balderhead Reservoir offers a diverse landscape of reservoir paths, stone tracks, and open ground, making it suitable for several sports like jogging, road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, and more.

80

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4.4

(125)

Average rating

1482

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Hiking in Balderhead ReservoirSee all
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4.6

(33)

139

hikers

High Force and Low Force Circular

17.5km

04:37

160m

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate
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4.6

(21)

82

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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4.8

(10)

53

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4.8

(9)

33

hikers

9.87km

02:41

140m

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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26

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

Hard
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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2

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Explore the region

Running Trails around Balderhead Reservoir

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Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available at Balderhead Reservoir?

Balderhead Reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities including jogging, road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The area is also popular for wild brown trout fishing, bird watching, and stargazing. Water skiing is permitted on specific days.

Are there hiking trails at Balderhead Reservoir?

Yes, Balderhead Reservoir provides numerous hiking opportunities with varied terrain, including reservoir paths, stone tracks, and open ground. Hikers can find routes for different fitness levels, including options that link to the Pennine Way. Explore available routes with the Hiking around Balderhead Reservoir guide.

Are there jogging routes at Balderhead Reservoir?

Jogging routes are available around Balderhead Reservoir, offering views across unpaved banks and open moorland. The terrain includes reservoir paths and stone tracks suitable for various fitness levels. Find detailed options in the Running Trails around Balderhead Reservoir guide.

Can I cycle around Balderhead Reservoir?

Balderhead Reservoir and its surroundings are suitable for both road and touring cycling. Routes traverse the North Pennine moors, featuring varied elevation and a mix of well-paved surfaces and stone tracks. Discover options through the Road Cycling Routes around Balderhead Reservoir and Cycling around Balderhead Reservoir guides.

Are there family-friendly walks at Balderhead Reservoir?

Yes, Balderhead Reservoir offers family-friendly hiking options, including easy loops suitable for various ages. These routes often feature accessible paths and scenic views. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Balderhead Reservoir guide for specific recommendations.

Are dogs allowed on trails at Balderhead Reservoir?

Dog-friendly hiking routes are available at Balderhead Reservoir, allowing visitors to explore the area with their pets. It is advisable to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife. Specific dog-friendly options can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes around Balderhead Reservoir guide.

What are the notable natural features of Balderhead Reservoir?

Balderhead Reservoir is characterized by its wild moorland scenery, vast open spaces, and long views across the North Pennine moors. It features a large intake and overflow structure, often called a 'giant plug,' and is part of a chain of three reservoirs on the River Balder. The reservoir's perimeter is approximately 5 miles (8 km).

How popular is Balderhead Reservoir on komoot?

Balderhead Reservoir is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 10,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The activities in the region have an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars from over 1,500 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.

What komoot guides are available for Balderhead Reservoir?

Komoot offers several guides for Balderhead Reservoir, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Hiking. There are also specialized guides for Dog-friendly hikes and Family-friendly hikes.

How can I contact Balderhead Reservoir for more information?

For general inquiries regarding Balderhead Reservoir, contact Waterside Parks at 0345 1550236, available Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Alternatively, the Grassholme Reservoir visitor centre, located nearby, can be reached at 01833 641121, open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Are there easy routes for beginners at Balderhead Reservoir?

Yes, Balderhead Reservoir provides easy routes suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous options. These include accessible paths along the dam wall and easy loops around the reservoir. The Easy hikes around Balderhead Reservoir guide offers specific suggestions.

What kind of terrain can I expect on trails at Balderhead Reservoir?

The terrain at Balderhead Reservoir is varied, featuring a mix of reservoir paths, stone tracks, and open ground. This diversity caters to different activities and fitness levels, from smooth sections to more rugged moorland paths. Cyclists can expect both well-paved surfaces and some stone tracks.

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