Fontburn, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Fontburn is a reservoir near Rothbury in Northumberland with calm water and green trees and fields surrounding it. It is mainly used to supply drinking water to local towns and villages and features a valve tower for water management, with a marked circular walking trail about 5.5 kilometers long that offers easy access for most visitors.
The reservoir was built in 1905, making it over 100 years old and part of local efforts to provide safe water to the community. The structure includes a shaft spillway that helps control water levels and prevent flooding by releasing excess water into the nearby river.
The name Fontburn comes from the stream that feeds the reservoir. Today the site is used by locals and visitors alike, with anglers fishing quietly by the water while walkers explore the trails and birdwatchers search for migrating songbirds, especially in spring and summer.
The site has parking on the north shore operated by Northumbrian Water, from which you get the best views. The northern paths are level and well-maintained, while the southern shoreline has rougher ground that can be muddy, so visitors should wear suitable walking shoes and check weather conditions before visiting.
An old stone railway viaduct is still visible across the water and shapes the landscape, though it is now closed to walking. This historic remnant adds nostalgic charm to the scene and offers a glimpse into the area's railway past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
