Top 7 Lakes around Healeyfield

While Healeyfield itself is a small parish, the surrounding region of County Durham features several stunning reservoirs, often referred to as lakes. Popular choices include Derwent Reservoir, known for its historical significance and extensive trails, and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir, which offers picturesque views and is part of a group of three reservoirs in the area. Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk is also highly rated for its pleasant lakeside path.

Yes, the reservoirs offer a variety of walking and hiking trails. For example, Tunstall Reservoir Circular Walk provides a 3 km path around the water. Hisehope Reservoir is a pleasant place for a hike, with opportunities to connect to other reservoirs for longer walks. The wider region also features numerous routes, including those found in the Family-friendly hikes around Healeyfield guide.

Beyond walking and hiking, the area around Healeyfield's reservoirs offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like those detailed in the Cycling around Healeyfield guide, or go running on trails mentioned in the Running Trails around Healeyfield guide. Some reservoirs, like Grassholme, also offer water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and paddle sports, as well as fishing.

Absolutely. Many reservoirs are suitable for families. Derwent Reservoir, Hisehope Reservoir, and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are all categorized as family-friendly. The Millshield Picnic Site at Derwent Reservoir offers facilities like clean toilets and plenty of walks, making it ideal for a family outing. The Family-friendly hikes around Healeyfield guide also lists suitable routes.

Yes, several reservoirs are dog-friendly. Derwent Reservoir, Hisehope Reservoir, and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are all listed as dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion. Always remember to keep dogs under control and check for any specific local regulations regarding leads or restricted areas.

Yes, Derwent Reservoir is particularly notable for its historical significance. The iconic Derwent Dam, built in the early 1900s, served as a practice site for the RAF's "Dam Busters" during World War II due to its resemblance to German dams. You can observe it in all its splendor from one of its ends.

The region around Healeyfield is recognized for its dark skies, offering excellent stargazing opportunities. Derwent Reservoir is a designated dark sky friendly site, and the Millshield Picnic Site there even has a revolvable information board showing constellations. Cow Green Reservoir and Grassholme Reservoir are also known as dark sky sites, with Grassholme hosting a high-tech observatory.

While swimming is generally not permitted in most reservoirs for safety and water quality reasons, some locations offer specific water sports. For instance, Grassholme Reservoir is home to the Teesdale Sailing and Watersports Club, where you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and paddle sports. Kielder Water, further north, is Northern Europe's largest man-made lake and a prime location for water skiing, sailing, and trout angling.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and water sports, with vibrant greenery. Late summer is particularly beautiful when the heather is in bloom across the moorlands, especially around Smiddy Shaw and Hisehope Reservoirs. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though conditions may be more challenging. The reservoirs are also excellent for stargazing year-round on clear nights.

Yes, many reservoirs provide visitor facilities. For example, the Millshield Picnic Site at Derwent Reservoir offers ample parking and clean toilet blocks. Grassholme Reservoir also has a visitor center and dedicated picnic areas, making it convenient for a day out.

The reservoirs and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Bird watchers can spot species like kingfishers at Tunstall Reservoir, and teal, mallard, and goosander at Cow Green Reservoir. Grassholme Reservoir is known for bird spotting, including osprey sightings. You might also encounter red grouse and red kites around Smiddy Shaw and Hisehope Reservoirs, and even red squirrels at Kielder Water.