Balderhead Reservoir West Car Park

The car park at Balderhead Reservoir's western edge is where most people start their walk around this proper Yorkshire Water reservoir, just outside Barnard Castle. You get a decent view across the water from here, with the fells rising behind in that soft green-grey way they do in County Durham. It's the launching point for a circular walk that takes you round the southern shore - roughly four miles if you fancy the full loop, though you can do shorter stretches depending on energy levels.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this spot. The paths are well maintained and the water views change as you go, which keeps things interesting. Families with primary-age kids will manage fine on the easier sections nearest the car park, though the full circuit requires decent stamina. History buffs might appreciate that you're walking through proper industrial heritage landscape - the reservoir itself was built in the 1880s.

It's free to park and walk, and there's no time pressure. Most people allow between two and four hours depending on which route they take. Early morning is nicest when the light hits the water properly and you've got the paths largely to yourself. Autumn and spring are cracking times to visit - summer weekends get busy.

Stay at one of the caravan parks nearby - Mickleton Mill or Leekworth are both under five miles away and well rated - and you've got a proper base for exploring the Teesdale area. The reservoir fits naturally into a week of walking and exploring around Barnard Castle.