Gill Sike Waterfall above Balderhead Reservoir
Gill Sike Waterfall is a small, peaceful waterfall tucked away on open moorland above Balderhead Reservoir in Teesdale. It isn’t a big or dramatic fall, but a quiet spot where water gently steps through the landscape, making it a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the calm surroundings.
This is a walk best suited to those who enjoy open views, fresh air, and simple moments outdoors rather than busy paths or grand landmarks. Gill Sike Waterfall feels unhurried and understated, offering a peaceful break in a beautiful part of the North Pennines.
Quick Facts
Distance: 2.6 miles
Time: Around 1 hour
Elevation Gain: Approximately 328 ft
Start Point: Balderhead Reservoir car park (DL12 9UX)
Route Type: There and back
Terrain: Reservoir paths and open access moorland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under control on open moorland
OS Map: Explorer OL31
Digital Route: See the route on Hiiker
Parking and access
Parking for Gill Sike Waterfall is at Balderhead Reservoir, where there are good-sized car parks on either side of the reservoir. The access road is narrow in places but generally easy to drive, and both car parks provide a convenient starting point for the walk.
There are no facilities here, so it’s best to arrive prepared. Please park considerately, keep access clear, and respect the open moorland surroundings.
The walk to Gill Sike Waterfall
From Balderhead Reservoir car park, head out towards the dam and cross over it, where wide views open up across both Balderhead Reservoir and Blackton Reservoir. This is a great place to pause and take in the landscape before the walk gently heads uphill.
Once across the dam, follow the clear track as it climbs steadily onto open access land. The route is easy to follow and gradually leaves the reservoir behind, opening out into quiet moorland. When you reach a small building, turn right and continue across the open moor.
Gill Sike Waterfall is reached after a short and enjoyable walk, where the stream drops through a small stepped cascade tucked into the moorland. The return follows the same route back, making this a simple and relaxed there-and-back walk.
What you’ll see on this walk
This short walk offers a lovely mix of open water, wide skies, and quiet moorland. The scenery feels spacious and unhurried, with gentle changes as you move away from the reservoir and into the softer folds of the surrounding hills. It’s a route where the views are just as much a part of the experience as the waterfall itself.
Balderhead Reservoir
Balderhead Reservoir stretches out across the landscape with wide, open views and a real sense of space. From the dam and nearby paths, you can look across the water towards rolling hills and distant farmland, making this a peaceful place to pause and take in the surroundings before heading onto the moor.
Gill Sike stream on open moorland
As the route leaves the reservoir behind, the landscape becomes quieter and more intimate. Gill Sike stream winds gently through the moorland, cutting a narrow line through grass and stone before dropping down into the small stepped waterfall. This section of the walk feels calm and tucked away, with only the sound of flowing water and the open sky above.
Extending your walk from Gill Sike
Gill Sike Waterfall also makes a great starting point for exploring more of the surrounding moorland. From Balderhead Reservoir, this route can be combined with the nearby Hannah’s Meadow walk, which we have also covered on the site, offering a longer and more varied day out.
For those wanting to head further onto open access land, it’s also possible to continue across the moorland towards Mir Gill Waterfall, another small and peaceful waterfall tucked into a narrow gill above the reservoir. These options make Gill Sike a flexible base for quiet exploration rather than just a single out-and-back walk.
A moment of calm at Gill Sike Waterfall
This walk to Gill Sike Waterfall shows how quickly you can step away from everyday noise and into open, peaceful moorland. Within a short time, wide views open out across Balderhead Reservoir before the route leads gently onto quieter ground, where the sound of flowing water becomes the focus.
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe walks like this matter. They offer space to slow down, breathe, and enjoy simple moments outdoors without needing a long or demanding route. Gill Sike Waterfall may be small, but it’s a lovely place to pause, listen, and take in the calm surroundings.
About this walking guide
This guide is part of Discover Teesdale, our local guide to walks, waterfalls, and peaceful places across Teesdale. This route has been walked and photographed by us and includes clear directions, real landmarks, and local knowledge to help visitors explore the area around Balderhead Reservoir with confidence.
It is designed for anyone looking for a gentle there-and-back walk on open access land, featuring wide views, quiet moorland, and a small but charming waterfall away from busier routes.