Grassholme Reservoir, Teesdale
Grassholme Reservoir sits high above Teesdale near Mickleton, surrounded by rolling pasture, open countryside and wide skies. With a full circular walk around the water and long, uninterrupted views in every direction, it’s a place that feels spacious, peaceful and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Whether you’re here for a gentle walk, time outdoors with family, or simply to take in the scenery, Grassholme offers a quieter side of Teesdale. By day it’s a calm place for wandering and wildlife watching, and by night it’s known for its dark skies, making it one of the most varied and rewarding reservoirs in the area.
Parking and access
Parking for Grassholme Reservoir is available at the main car park near the dam, close to postcode DL12 0PW. This is a pay-and-display car park, and it provides the most convenient access to the reservoir paths, circular walk and nearby facilities, including the observatory.
Grassholme is reached via the B6277 from Barnard Castle, turning off within Mickleton village onto West Pasture Road, which leads up to the reservoir. The turning is roughly in the centre of the village rather than at the edge, so it’s worth driving slowly through Mickleton to spot the sign.
From the car park, clear and well-used paths make it easy to start a walk around the reservoir or enjoy a shorter stroll along the water.
About Grassholme Reservoir
Grassholme Reservoir lies high above Teesdale near Mickleton, set within rolling pasture and open countryside that feels calm and spacious in every direction. Unlike the Baldersdale reservoirs, Grassholme sits in Lunedale, formed by damming the River Lune, and plays a quiet but important role in the wider Teesdale water supply system.
The reservoir was built in the early 20th century, with construction completed around the time of the First World War. Historical records and local sources place its completion in the mid-1910s, which explains why some references give slightly different dates. What is clear is that Grassholme was created during a period of growing demand for reliable water supplies, reshaping a previously open valley into the broad expanse of water seen today.
One of the most intriguing pieces of Grassholme’s history lies beneath the surface. Before the valley was flooded, an old stone bridge crossed the original course of the River Lune. When water levels drop during dry periods or maintenance work, the remains of this buried bridge can sometimes be seen re-emerging, offering a rare glimpse into the landscape that existed before the reservoir. It’s a quiet reminder that there is a whole hidden past beneath the water.
Today, Grassholme is known not just for walking and wildlife, but also for its dark skies. The reservoir is home to Grassholme Observatory, and on clear nights the lack of light pollution makes this one of the best places in County Durham to look up and explore the night sky. By day it feels gentle and accessible, while after dark it becomes something entirely different.
Although there are organised activities on the water through established clubs, Grassholme remains first and foremost a place for peaceful exploration. Its circular walk, open views and slower pace make it well suited to families, wildlife watchers and anyone looking for time outdoors without the intensity of higher or more remote ground.
Grassholme Reservoir may have been built for practical reasons, but over time it has become a place where history, landscape and stillness quietly come together
What you’ll see at Grassholme Reservoir
Grassholme Reservoir offers a really satisfying mix of working infrastructure, open countryside and quieter moments by the water. As you walk around, you’re never far from a reminder that this is still an active reservoir, but it never takes away from how peaceful the area feels.
Main car park and visitor facilities
The walk usually starts at the main car park, next to the reservoir’s visitor facilities. This building houses the tackle shop and refreshments, making it a practical and welcoming place to begin your visit. It’s a good base whether you’re heading out for a full loop or just a gentle stroll along the shoreline.
The dam and spillway
The dam is one of the most striking features at Grassholme. From the top, you can look across the calm surface of the reservoir, while below the stepped spillway shows how carefully water levels are managed, especially after heavy rain. It’s a great place to pause and take in both the engineering and the surrounding views.
Reservoir marker pillar
Near the shoreline you’ll spot a tall stone marker pillar, which at first glance can feel a little mysterious. This isn’t decorative, but a practical structure used as a fixed reference point for surveying and monitoring water levels. It’s an easy feature to overlook, but once noticed it adds a quiet sense of purpose to the landscape.
Wide views and the stone road bridge
As you walk around the reservoir, the views open out across the water towards rolling fields and surrounding hills. At one end of Grassholme, you can clearly see the stone road bridge that still crosses the valley today, carrying the road over the water. It’s a familiar landmark in the landscape and a good reference point as you make your way around the reservoir, especially when the light is good and the water is calm.
Walking around Grassholme Reservoir
A full circular walk around Grassholme Reservoir makes for a relaxed and enjoyable outing, with wide views, gentle gradients and a real sense of space throughout. The route follows clear, well-used paths for most of the way, making it easy to settle into a steady pace and enjoy the scenery without needing constant navigation.
At around 3.5 miles, the loop suits a wide range of walkers, including families and those looking for an easy-going walk rather than a challenge. The elevation change is minimal, and there are plenty of natural pauses along the shoreline where you can stop, watch the water and take in the surrounding countryside.
Because Grassholme is an active water supply reservoir, it’s best enjoyed from the paths and viewpoints. Swimming and casual water activities aren’t permitted, but this helps keep the area safe and peaceful for everyone using the reservoir. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads, especially near wildlife and grazing livestock.
This walk works well in all seasons. In warmer months it’s an open, airy circuit with birds and wildflowers along the edges, while in winter it offers big skies, changing light and a sense of calm that’s hard to beat. Whether you walk the full loop or just part of it, Grassholme is a place that encourages you to slow down and enjoy being outdoors.
A place to slow down
Grassholme Reservoir is one of those places that gently encourages you to ease off and take things at a quieter pace. With open views, steady paths and space to breathe, it’s easy to let the walk become less about distance and more about simply being outdoors.
Whether you’re walking the full loop, stopping to watch birds along the water, or heading back as the light begins to soften, Grassholme offers a sense of calm that stays with you. It’s a place for small conversations, unhurried moments and the simple pleasure of time spent outside, a reminder of how much these quieter landscapes can do for our wellbeing.