Top 4 Lakes around Birtley

Great tracks, old drove roads. Continue on to Carriers Lane and Colt Crag reservoir

great ride past the reservoir

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.

wear something hi-viz on the roman military road. cars go at stupid speeds

The serpentine lake at Kirkharle, designed by famed landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown who was born here in 1716, was finally completed in 2010. Brown's plan, rediscovered in 1980s, breathed new life into the Grade 2 listed parkland. Over 2,000 trees were planted with the help of local schoolchildren, restoring the parkland to its former glory. A fully accessible 1km pathway winds through the landscape, with informative boards along the way. This allows visitors to enjoy the park year-round.

The east reservoir was constructed first in 1872 to provide water to Newcastle, Gateshead and the surrounding area. As the population grew the second west reservoir was constructed in 1889. The area is a local nature reserve surrounded by mixed woodland.

Sweethope Loughs are two fresh water fishing lakes. They were created in 1730 to power a corn mill.

A nice stretch of water in Northumberland, Colt Crag Reservoir is part of a network of reservoirs, connected by tunnels and aqueducts, that provide drinking water to Newcastle Upon Tyne. Around the water, you will find a huge variety of wildlife. The reservoir is an ideal breeding ground for cuckoo, whinchat, wheatear, and meadow pipit. It's also home to great crested grebes, house martins, badgers, and bats.