Selset Reservoir
Selset Reservoir is a quiet upland reservoir in Lunedale, surrounded by open moorland and wide skies in Teesdale. Lying around five miles west of Middleton-in-Teesdale, it feels remote and unhurried, with a strong sense of space and stillness.
This is a place best suited to slow walks, pauses by the water’s edge, and taking in the changing light across the hills. On clear days the views feel expansive, and on quiet evenings the calm is often broken only by wind, birds, and ripples on the reservoir surface.
Parking & access
Selset Reservoir is around four miles west of Middleton-in-Teesdale along the B6276 and is signposted from the road.
At the moment, the main car park is temporarily closed for maintenance, but the spillway car park remains open. It is worth checking the latest Waterside Parks information before travelling in case arrangements change.
From the parking area, paths lead towards the reservoir and dam. The surrounding landscape is open and exposed, and the ground can be uneven or wet after rain, so suitable footwear is useful.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Selset is a working reservoir, so enjoy the water from the paths and banks and please don’t enter the reservoir for swimming or water sports.
About the reservoir
Selset Reservoir lies high in Lunedale, a quiet upland valley within Teesdale in County Durham. It was built in the late 1950s and completed around 1960 to support the growing demand for drinking water across Teesdale and the surrounding areas.
The reservoir is owned and managed by Northumbrian Water and forms part of a wider network of upland reservoirs that collect and store water from the upper reaches of the dale. Water captured here is fed into the regional supply system before being treated and distributed to homes and communities downstream.
Although its primary role is practical, Selset has a quieter and more remote feel than many other reservoirs in the area. The surrounding landscape is open and exposed, with moorland slopes, wide skies, and a strong sense of space that gives the area its peaceful character.
Selset Reservoir is also recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site thanks to its dark upland setting. Night-time access for stargazing is available during organised events, so check the current arrangements before planning an evening visit.
What you will see
Selset Reservoir has a quiet, working character, where practical water features sit naturally within open upland scenery. As you explore the area, you will notice a mix of historic infrastructure, unusual access features, and wide views across the surrounding moorland.
Reservoir valve house
Near the lower end of the reservoir stands a solid stone valve house built as part of the original construction. These small buildings are used to control water levels and manage releases downstream, with their sturdy design reflecting the practical engineering of the time.
Overflow spillway
Below the main reservoir, a curved overflow spillway sits within a smaller pool of water at a lower level. This structure is part of the reservoir’s control system, allowing excess water to be released safely away from the dam and managed as it flows onward through the valley during periods of high water.
Ladder stile
One of the more unusual sights around Selset is a metal ladder built over a stock fence. This is a traditional access feature in upland landscapes, allowing walkers to cross while keeping grazing livestock safely enclosed.
Open moorland views
The reservoir is surrounded by wide open moorland with gentle slopes and distant tree lines. The exposed setting creates a strong sense of space, with changing light and weather giving the landscape a calm and ever changing feel.
A place to slow down
Selset Reservoir is best enjoyed without a set route or plan. This is a place for gentle wandering, pausing by the water, and taking in the quiet upland setting rather than covering distance.
The shoreline and surrounding ground offer plenty of space to explore at your own pace, whether that means a short stroll, sitting with a flask, or simply watching the light and weather move across the hills. On calmer days, the stillness here is one of Selset’s strongest features.
For many visitors, Selset is less about walking and more about slowing down, making it a natural place to visit when you want space, fresh air, and time without expectations.