Balderhead Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Balderhead Reservoir is a large water body in a quiet valley in Teesdale, County Durham. The water is surrounded by open moorland and fields, with walking paths running along its edges and connecting to nearby Hury and Blackton Reservoirs.
The reservoir was built many years ago to supply water for local industries. Today it serves mainly as a recreational area, as the water needs for industry have decreased over time.
The name Balderhead comes from Old English and refers to the location in a valley. Today, visitors use the reservoir mainly for walking, fishing, and watching birds and stars in the night sky.
Visitors should wear good walking shoes as the paths are unpaved and can become muddy after rain. The area has no shops or cafes, so bring your own supplies if you plan to stay for the day.
The dam has a large overflow funnel where water falls dramatically, especially during heavy rainfall - a rare sight visible only to visitors during wet seasons. A nearby observatory offers chances to watch planets and learn about astronomy in an area with very dark skies far from city lights.
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