Colt Crag Reservoir

The water at Colt Crag sits tucked into moorland just south of Hexham, a proper working reservoir that doesn't try to be anything fancy. It's the kind of place you stumble upon while driving through the Pennines rather than a scheduled stop, though it's worth knowing about if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping pods or camping spots.

What you get here is straightforward - a stretch of dark water backed by rough hills, good for a walk around the perimeter and the occasional angler. The reservoir sits high enough that the views back towards the Tyne valley aren't bad on a clear day. You won't find cafes or visitor centres; it's just access to the water and the moorland feel that makes this corner of Northumberland tick.

Walkers will find it most rewarding. The circuit is manageable - you're looking at an hour or so depending on your pace - and the solitude makes it feel less trodden than spots closer to the main roads. Families with young kids might find it a bit bleak unless they're keen on spotting birds and moorland wildlife. It's free to access, and there's nowhere to spend money once you're there, which keeps things simple.

If you're based at Sycamore Glamping Pods or any of the other sites dotted within a few miles, this works as a decent morning walk before heading into Hexham proper for lunch. On its own it's not a full day's outing, but bundled with the quieter bits of the North Pennines it slots in nicely.