Description
Tunstall Reservoir
This walk starts in the lovely little village of Wolsingham. Wolsingham and Tunstall Reservoir are in the upper reaches of Weardale.
Note: This walk has been changed to Sunday 30th June, due to demand.
We start in the Demesne Mill Car Park, beside the Waskerley Beck. Here it is a small trickle of water. Hard to believe that this small beck is what is used to fill the reservoir. However, Tunstall Reservoir is the second reservoir on the Waskerley Beck. The other being Waskerley Reservoir, further up the valley.
From the start we initially follow the beck upstream, before following a track up to Fawnlees. Once through Park Wall plantation, we will take a zigzag path through farmland. The view up there is incredible, with our destination, Tunstall Reservoir, in the distance. In short time we reach the dam wall, where we can stop to admire the view.
The next stage of the walk follows a path round the reservoir itself. There is a constant view of the water right up the West side of the lake. At the top of the lake we will stop for lunch. There are benches here where we can sit and admire the view and have lunch.
The East side of the lake is wooded and is a nature reserve. In Backstone Bank Wood, wild plants and birds flourish. So, it is nice to take time to appreciate the beauty here before the last leg back to the starting point.
After the Wood, the path crosses fields before descending back down to the Waskerley Beck and back to Wolsingham.
We will take refreshments in one of the tea shops in Wolsingham, either Peggotty’s or No 10.
Hope to see you there.
Julie and Martin x
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Strolls with poles – Nordic Walking for Fun and Fitness