Reservoirs of Teesdale and Scenic Valleys

Teesdale’s reservoirs are some of the most peaceful and scenic places in the North Pennines. Built to supply water to the wider region, they now provide quiet escapes for walkers, birdwatchers and anyone looking to spend time in nature. Each reservoir has its own character from the wild moorland shores of Cow Green to the gentle valleys around Grassholme and Selset offering stunning views, rich wildlife and a deep connection to Teesdale’s geological past.

These reservoirs are not just bodies of water. They are part of the story of the land, shaped by ancient volcanoes, Ice Age glaciers and later by people working with nature. Today they offer walking routes, fishing spots, dark sky viewing areas and peaceful places to pause and breathe in the stillness of the valley.

Below you will find each reservoir with easy to read information including parking, walking opportunities, whether you can swim or fish, and what makes each one special. This page is your simple, friendly guide to exploring Teesdale’s reservoirs with confidence.

🏞 Cow Green Reservoir

📍 Location: Upper Teesdale, DL12 0HX
🅿️ Parking: Dedicated car park at Cow Green; small charge may apply
🚶‍♂️ Walking: You can walk along marked paths but not a full loop of the reservoir
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted – this is a protected wildlife area
🎣 Fishing: Trout fishing available with permit
🌿 Why Visit: Cow Green sits in a wild moorland landscape and is home to rare Arctic-alpine plants and dramatic views. The dam is an impressive sight when water is overflowing, and the start of the walk to Cauldron Snout is nearby.

Cow Green Reservoir is the most remote and dramatic of all Teesdale’s reservoirs. Surrounded by open moors and geological features formed by ancient lava, it feels like stepping into another world. It is a place of wild beauty, quiet skies and powerful landscape.

🌊 Selset Reservoir

📍 Location: Near Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0PB
🅿️ Parking: Small parking areas beside the reservoir and roadside lay-bys
🚶‍♂️ Walking: No full circular path, but there are access tracks and moorland walking nearby
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted
🎣 Fishing: Popular for trout fishing with a permit
🌿 Why Visit: Remote, quiet and surrounded by open moorland, Selset is ideal for those seeking peace, wildlife spotting and wide open views.

Selset Reservoir offers one of the most tranquil settings in Teesdale. With big skies, rolling hills and barely any noise except the wind and wildlife, it is perfect for clearing your mind and experiencing Teesdale’s wilder side.

🌿 Grassholme Reservoir

📍 Location: Near Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0PW
🅿️ Parking: Large car park with facilities (pay and display)
🚶‍♂️ Walking: Yes – a popular circular walking route around the reservoir
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted
🎣 Fishing: Extremely popular trout fishing location (permit required)
🌿 Why Visit: Grassholme is one of the most accessible reservoirs in Teesdale, with stunning valley views, wildlife-rich waters and a full walking route.

Grassholme Reservoir is a favourite for walkers and nature lovers, offering a peaceful circular route around the water with views over open countryside. It’s a great place for families and those wanting to enjoy Teesdale’s landscapes without heading deep into the moors.

🌄 Balderhead Reservoir

📍 Location: Baldersdale, near Cotherstone, DL12 9UX
🅿️ Parking: Small parking areas and roadside lay-bys
🚶‍♂️ Walking: Footpaths along the edge, but no full circular route
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted
🎣 Fishing: Trout fishing available with permit
🌿 Why Visit: One of Teesdale’s most peaceful reservoirs with amazing views across Baldersdale, rich in birdlife and surrounded by open moorland.

Balderhead is perfect for those seeking solitude and wild scenery. It offers expansive views and a real sense of escape, with footpaths that follow the water’s edge and connect to nearby reservoirs in Baldersdale.

🌾 Hury Reservoir

📍 Location: Baldersdale, DL12 9UP
🅿️ Parking: Dedicated car park near the reservoir (parking charges may apply)
🚶‍♂️ Walking: Yes – scenic walking routes with connecting paths to other reservoirs nearby
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted
🎣 Fishing: Very popular trout fishing reservoir (permit required)
🌿 Why Visit: Hury is known for its calm waters, birdlife and beautiful valley views, making it ideal for relaxing walks and quiet nature time.

Hury Reservoir sits in the heart of Baldersdale and offers some of the most gentle and scenic waterside walking in Teesdale. With easy access and stunning views, it’s a favourite for peaceful days outdoors.

🌅 Blackton Reservoir

📍 Location: Baldersdale, DL12 9UX
🅿️ Parking: Limited roadside parking near the water
🚶‍♂️ Walking: Yes – walking routes link Blackton with Hury and Balderhead Reservoirs
💧 Swimming/Paddleboarding: Not permitted
🎣 Fishing: Trout fishing available with permit
🌿 Why Visit: Quiet and scenic, Blackton offers a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by rolling hills and wildlife habitats.

Blackton Reservoir is one of the most tranquil spots in Teesdale. It is perfect for those looking to slow down, watch birds over the water and enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding Baldersdale landscape.