The best waterfall hikes and walks around Hury Reservoir

There are over 10 dedicated waterfall hiking trails around Hury Reservoir, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging routes. In total, the area features 12 hiking routes, with 6 being moderate and 5 considered difficult.

The terrain around Hury Reservoir is varied, featuring a mix of grassy tracks and quiet country lanes. You'll encounter picturesque rolling hills and traditional stone-walled meadows, providing continuous scenic views. The gradients are generally gentle, but some longer routes, especially those exploring the wider Baldersdale valley, include more significant elevation changes.

Yes, many paths around Hury Reservoir are easily followed and feature gentle gradients, making them suitable for family walks. While specific easy waterfall routes are not detailed, the general area is known for its family-friendly environment and circular walks around the reservoir itself are popular for all skill levels.

The Hury Reservoir area is generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially around livestock and wildlife. Many trails consist of open countryside and quiet lanes, which are suitable for walks with your canine companion.

The routes in this guide focus on prominent waterfalls like Low Force and High Force. For example, the High Force and Low Force Circular directly connects these two impressive cascades. You'll also encounter the Hury Reservoir itself, fed by the River Balder, providing expansive open water views.

Yes, there are several circular routes that incorporate waterfalls. A popular option is the High Force and Low Force Circular, a moderate 17.5 km path connecting two major waterfalls. Another is the Low Force Waterfall – Wynch Bridge loop from Middleton in Teesdale, which is 11.9 km long.

The waterfall hikes around Hury Reservoir offer a range of difficulties. You'll find moderate routes like the High Force and Low Force Circular (17.5 km) and more challenging options such as the Wynch Bridge – Low Force Waterfall loop from Lunedale, which spans 23.5 km with significant elevation gain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 450 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, stunning vistas, and the sense of remoteness offered by the Baldersdale valley. The continuous beautiful views across the open water and rolling hills are frequently highlighted.

Beyond the waterfalls themselves, you can explore several points of interest. The Hury Reservoir Dam is a notable man-made feature. You'll also find scenic sections like the Path Between Hury Reservoir and Bywash Channel, which offers pleasant riverside walking.

While specific parking locations for each waterfall trail are not detailed, the Hury Reservoir area is generally accessible for visitors arriving by car. Many popular starting points for walks around reservoirs in the Durham Dales typically have designated parking areas.

The Hury Reservoir area offers beautiful scenery year-round. Waterfalls are often at their most impressive after periods of rain, which can occur throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colors in the surrounding landscape, while summer offers longer daylight hours for extended hikes. The area is also noted for clear night skies, making it excellent for stargazing.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, routes like the High Force Waterfall – Low Force Waterfall loop from Middleton in Teesdale offer a substantial journey. This difficult route covers 25.7 km and involves significant elevation changes, providing a comprehensive exploration of the area's waterfalls and wider valley.