Derwent Reservoir

Derwent Reservoir is a large water storage basin located at the boundary between Northumberland and County Durham. The body of water is surrounded by walking and cycling paths, with multiple access points distributed along the shoreline for visitors to explore.

The project arose in the mid-20th century to secure water supplies for industrial regions in the northeast. Its opening in 1967 represented a turning point for how the area managed its water resources for future growth.

The reservoir serves as a gathering place for water sports enthusiasts and recreational fishers throughout the year. Its shoreline has become central to how local communities spend their leisure time and connect with nature.

The site is easily accessible on foot and offers wide paths suitable for walking and cycling activities. Visit during drier periods when the paths are in better condition and visibility around the water is clearest.

The lake bed carries traces of past mining activity that influence water composition and underwater plant growth in subtle ways. This industrial legacy remains invisible to most visitors but shapes the ecological conditions beneath the surface.

Location: Northumberland

Location: County Durham

Inception: July 1967

Official opening: July 18, 1967

Elevation above the sea: 222 m

GPS coordinates: 54.86667,-1.98333

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52