Hury Reservoir
Hury Reservoir sits quietly in Upper Teesdale, surrounded by open moorland, wide skies and a real sense of space. It’s one of those places where everything feels a little calmer the moment you arrive.
The paths around the water are easy going and invite a gentle wander, whether you’re stretching your legs, taking the dog out, or simply enjoying the views across the reservoir. With links through to neighbouring reservoirs and plenty of spots to pause and take it all in, Hury is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Parking and access
We parked near postcode DL12 9UR and approached Hury Reservoir via Balderhead Road through Hunderthwaite.
From here, it’s an easy approach onto the reservoir paths, with open views almost straight away. The access feels quiet and unrushed, setting the tone nicely for a gentle walk around the water or towards neighbouring reservoirs.
About Hury Reservoir
Hury Reservoir sits in the heart of Baldersdale and forms an important part of Teesdale’s Victorian water engineering story. Although it wasn’t the very first reservoir built in the area, it was among the earliest major reservoirs constructed to supply clean water to industrial Teesside.
Completed in 1894 for the Stockton and Middlesbrough Water Board, Hury was designed by the engineer James Mansergh. It was soon followed by Blackton Reservoir in 1896, with both forming part of a wider scheme developed from the 1870s to bring reliable water supplies from the River Balder to Teesside’s growing towns and industries.
Today, Hury sits within a connected system of reservoirs on the River Balder, helping to store and manage water as part of the Upper Teesdale supply network. Alongside its practical role, it has also become a peaceful place to spend time outdoors, known for fly fishing, open views, wildlife, and dark skies on clear nights.
What you’ll see at Hury Reservoir
This gentle walk around Hury Reservoir offers a mix of wide views, water engineering features and quiet corners that change with the light and seasons.
Hury Reservoir Dam and Wall
The stone dam and long straight wall are one of the most striking features here. Walking alongside it gives wide views across the water on one side and open countryside on the other, with reflections often forming on calm days.
Reservoir Outflow and Control Gates
Near the outflow, you’ll see the working heart of the reservoir where water is carefully managed and released downstream. It’s a reminder of Hury’s role as part of Teesdale’s historic water supply system.
Reflections and Open Water
Large open stretches of water create changing reflections of sky, fields and surrounding hills. On quieter days, this area feels especially calm and is a good place to pause and take in the atmosphere.
Valve Tower and Walkway
The valve tower and narrow walkway leading out across the water are classic features of Victorian reservoir design. The symmetry and strong lines make this a distinctive and often-photographed spot.
Our walk around Hury Reservoir
This is the route we followed during our visit to Hury Reservoir.
It’s a mostly flat and easy walk that stays close to the water, with wide open views across the reservoir and surrounding countryside. The route offers a relaxed pace and works well as a gentle outing for a wide range of abilities.
A place to slow down
Hury Reservoir is the kind of place that gently asks you to slow your pace. It’s not somewhere to rush through or tick off, but a place to wander at your own speed, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the quiet.
With a flask of coffee, a packed lunch and wide open views across the water, it’s easy to sit for a while and simply be present. The calm atmosphere, open space and gentle sounds of nature make Hury a lovely spot to reconnect with the outdoors and clear your head, even if only for a short time.