Blackton Reservoir, Baldersdale
Blackton Reservoir sits quietly in the heart of Baldersdale, surrounded by open moorland, wide skies and a sense of space that instantly slows the pace. Set between Balderhead and Hury reservoirs, it feels gently tucked into the landscape, with long water views and subtle changes in colour and light throughout the day.
This is a peaceful place to explore at your own pace, whether you’re watching birds along the shoreline, enjoying the stillness of the water, or taking a relaxed circular walk around the reservoir. With no two visits quite the same, Blackton offers a calm, unspoilt setting that suits quiet wandering, reflection, and simply spending time outdoors.
Parking and access
From our own visits, we find the easiest and most relaxed way to reach Blackton Reservoir is by parking at nearby Balderhead Reservoir, close to postcode DL12 9UX. The approach via Balderhead Road through Hunderthwaite is a little wider and easier to drive than some of the surrounding roads, making it a good option if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
From Hury, a clear and easy-to-follow path leads down towards Blackton Reservoir. As you walk, the view opens out across the water below, giving a lovely first glimpse of the reservoir before you reach the shoreline. The route is straightforward and suits a gentle pace, whether you’re heading down for a short wander or planning a longer circular walk around the reservoir.
This approach also makes it easy to combine Blackton with nearby places such as Hury Reservoir itself or a visit to Hannah’s Meadow, creating a relaxed day out without needing to move the car.
About Blackton Reservoir
Blackton Reservoir is one of a chain of reservoirs in Baldersdale, County Durham, positioned between Balderhead Reservoir upstream and Hury Reservoir downstream. It was built in 1896 by the Stockton and Middlesbrough Water Board and now forms part of the water supply system for Teesdale, managed by Northumbrian Water.
Set within the open moorland landscape of the North Pennines, Blackton has a quieter, more contained feel than its neighbouring reservoirs. While Balderhead sits higher and more exposed, Blackton feels calmer and more settled, with long views across the water and a shoreline that gently follows the natural shape of the land.
At the head of the reservoir, areas of reeds and wet ground create valuable habitat for wildlife. This part of the reservoir is recognised for its importance to birds, with wading birds and wildfowl regularly seen throughout the year. A small bird hide overlooks this quieter area, allowing visitors to observe wildlife without disturbing it.
Blackton is also known locally for its wild brown trout fishery, supporting native trout that trace their origins back to the upland streams that flowed here before the dams were built. Even without fishing, the presence of birdlife and the stillness of the water give Blackton a peaceful, restorative character.
Rather than drawing attention to itself, Blackton Reservoir blends naturally into its surroundings. Built for a practical purpose, it has become a place where history, nature and quiet exploration now sit comfortably side by side.
What you’ll see at Blackton Reservoir
Blackton Reservoir is surrounded by a mix of open moorland, quiet farmland and softer wetland edges, creating a landscape that feels both working and peaceful. As you walk, the views shift gently between wide open water, stone walls, grassy banks and small details that invite you to slow down and look a little closer.
Moorland views and stone walls
Dry stone walls trace the edges of fields and paths around the reservoir, guiding the eye across open farmland towards the water. Beyond, the moorland rises gently, giving Blackton a spacious, unhurried feel that changes with the light and weather.
Reedy edges and quiet inlets
At the edges of the reservoir, shallow water and reed beds soften the shoreline. These quieter areas are often alive with movement, from birds skimming the surface to grasses shifting in the breeze, adding a gentle sense of life to the still water.
Wildlife along the banks
Sheep graze and rest along the grassy banks, often sheltering beneath lone trees shaped by the wind. These small moments of everyday life are part of what gives Blackton its calm, lived-in character and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Stone barns and rural detail
Traditional stone field barns sit quietly within the farmland around the reservoir, linked by narrow grassy paths and dry stone walls. They add a sense of history and place, reminding you that this is a working landscape shaped by generations of people as well as nature.
Hannah’s Meadow and quiet paths
Right beside Blackton Reservoir is Hannah’s Meadow, a peaceful place that adds another layer to a visit here. The meadow is known for its wildflowers, open views and the small barn that shares the story of Hannah Hauxwell’s life in Baldersdale, offering a thoughtful glimpse into how people once lived and worked in this landscape.
The paths around Blackton itself are equally calm and easy to enjoy. A gentle circular route follows the edge of the reservoir, linking open water views with farmland, stone walls and quieter corners where it’s easy to slow down and wander at your own pace. Taken together, Blackton Reservoir and Hannah’s Meadow make a relaxed and rewarding combination for anyone looking to spend a peaceful day outdoors.
A place to slow down
Blackton Reservoir is the kind of place that doesn’t ask much of you. There’s no rush, no set route to follow, just quiet paths, open water and space to breathe. Whether you’re walking the full loop, pausing to watch birds along the shoreline, or simply sitting for a moment and taking in the view, it’s easy to let the landscape set the pace.
Places like this remind us that being outdoors doesn’t have to mean big hikes or ticking off landmarks. Sometimes it’s enough to wander, notice the small details and enjoy the calm that comes from spending time in nature. Blackton Reservoir offers that kind of gentle escape, a peaceful corner of Baldersdale where slowing down feels natural.