Easy hikes and walks around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir

Smiddy Shaw Reservoir offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 100 routes specifically graded as easy. In total, there are more than 200 hiking options in the area, catering to various preferences.

Yes, many of the easy trails are ideal for families. Routes like the Smiddy Shaw Reservoir loop from Waskerley (1.7 miles) or the Smiddy Shaw Reservoir loop from Honey Hill (1.9 miles) offer gentle, accessible walks with open views, perfect for a family outing. The Waskerley Way, a former railway line, also provides solid, easy paths.

Yes, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is generally dog-friendly. Many trails, especially those along the Waskerley Way, are suitable for dogs. Remember to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock and wildlife, and to clean up after them. Nana B's Teas, a popular refreshment spot on the Waskerley Way, is also dog-friendly.

You'll experience diverse and beautiful scenery, including expansive moorland with heather-covered areas, tranquil views across Smiddy Shaw and other nearby reservoirs like Hisehope, and fields. The landscape also features deep-sunk burns and varied terrain, offering a true taste of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Absolutely. Many of the easy trails around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include the Smiddy Shaw Reservoir loop from Waskerley and the Smiddy Shaw Reservoir loop from Honey Hill. You can also find longer circular routes like the Smiddy Shaw and Hisehope loop from Waskerley.

Public car parks are available, making access convenient for hikers. The area around Waskerley, which serves as a starting point for several routes, typically has parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for the closest parking options.

Yes, Nana B's Teas, located on the Waskerley Way, is a popular spot offering meals and snacks. It's also a dog-friendly establishment, making it a great stop during or after your hike.

The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer vibrant heather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the moorland scenery and wildlife. Autumn brings rich colours to the landscape. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for colder conditions and potentially muddy or icy paths.

The area is excellent for wildlife spotting. You might see red grouse among the heather, red kites soaring overhead, and various bird species such as lapwings, snipe, golden plover, and marsh harriers, especially around the reservoirs and moorland.

Yes, the landscape holds remnants of its past. You can encounter the ruined farm of Cushat Leazes, offering a glimpse into historical upland life, and lumpy mounds of spoil that bear witness to former lead mining activities in the region.

The Waskerley Way is a former railway line that provides easily accessible and solid paths. This makes it an excellent choice for easy hiking, offering a smoother walking surface in parts, especially when integrated into routes like the Nana B's Teas, Redhouse Farm – Waskerley Station loop.

The easy trails around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 490 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquil reservoir views, the expansive moorland scenery, and the accessible, well-maintained paths, particularly along the Waskerley Way.

The duration varies depending on the route. Shorter loops, such as the 1.7-mile Smiddy Shaw Reservoir loop from Waskerley, can be completed in under an hour. Longer easy routes, like the 2.6-mile Nana B's Teas, Redhouse Farm – Waskerley Station loop, might take around 1 hour and 4 minutes, offering a more extended experience.

Yes, the network of trails allows for extensions to other bodies of water. You can easily extend your walk to include views of or paths around Hisehope Reservoir and Waskerley Reservoir. Some routes, like the Smiddy Shaw and Hisehope loop from Waskerley, already incorporate multiple reservoirs.