Reservoir of Ruesga, embalse en la provincia de Palencia, España
The Reservoir of Ruesga is a dam-fed body of water in the north of Palencia Province, formed by holding back the Rivera de Valdavia river with a curved concrete structure. The water stretches through a valley flanked by wooded slopes, and the shoreline alternates between rocky sections and grassy banks.
Construction of the dam began in 1914 and the reservoir started operating in 1923, making it the first government-built reservoir in the Duero basin. It was designed to feed the Canal de Castilla, a historic waterway that had been central to farming across the Castilian plateau since the 18th century.
The reservoir sits within the Fuentes Carrionas y Fuente Cobre Natural Park, a protected area known for its brown bear and golden eagle populations. Walking along the shore, visitors often spot wildlife coming to drink, which makes this one of the more rewarding spots for birdwatching in Palencia Province.
The reservoir is reachable by car on paved roads, and the surrounding area has camping spots, grilling areas, and shower facilities close to the water. Motorized boats are not allowed on the lake, so the surface stays open for swimming, paddling, and kayaking throughout the season.
The reservoir is one of the few lakes in the region where naturist bathing is tolerated in certain secluded parts of the shore. This draws visitors who specifically seek out remote spots away from the more frequented areas of the waterfront.
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