Tunstall Reservoir Circular
County Durham
Tunstall Reservoir lies in a wooded valley about three miles south of Wolsingham in Weardale, within the North Pennines National Landscape, and has supplied Weardale with water since the 1870s. Dogs must stay on the lead for the whole circuit here, both for the wildlife around the nature reserve and out of consideration for anglers, though the flat woodland path still gives plenty of shade and scent to enjoy on the way round. A well-used path of just over three kilometres circles the water, with species-rich woodland along the eastern shore and a nature reserve at the northern end where herons and other waterbirds are often seen. The going is flat and easy throughout on a mix of tracks and woodland paths, with benches at intervals to take in the reservoir views. The car park sits on the western bank, reached by a minor road that climbs past Wolsingham School from the A689.
This is a dog friendly circuit that is genuinely popular with local dog walkers, though dogs must be kept on a lead throughout, both for wildlife around the nature reserve and out of consideration for the anglers who fish here regularly. The reservoir is not for swimming, but the woodland floor offers plenty of scent and shade on a warm day. There is no livestock on the route itself, though sheep graze the surrounding fell land. Parking is free, there are no toilets or cafe on site, and Wolsingham has dog-friendly pubs a short drive away for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- No toilets or cafe on site; dog-friendly pubs in Wolsingham a short drive away.
- Parking
- Free car park on the western bank of Tunstall Reservoir, off the minor road past Wolsingham School.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Tunstall Reservoir Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Cottage - Whittonstall
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £636 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tunstall Reservoir Circular dog friendly?
Tunstall Reservoir Circular is a popular choice with local dog walkers and earns a 6/10 for dog friendliness on our rating. The route is flat and easy throughout, with shaded woodland paths, interesting scents, and the chance to spot herons and waterbirds around the nature reserve at the northern end. Just bear in mind that dogs must stay on the lead for the whole circuit.
Can dogs be off lead at Tunstall Reservoir Circular?
No — dogs must be kept on the lead for the entire walk. This is both to protect the wildlife around the nature reserve and out of consideration for the anglers who fish the reservoir regularly. The woodland floor still offers plenty to keep dogs happily occupied, even on a lead.
What should I know before visiting Tunstall Reservoir Circular with my dog?
The circuit is just over three kilometres on flat, easy tracks and woodland paths, so it's accessible for most dogs and owners. Dogs cannot swim in the reservoir, and there are no toilets or café on site, so it's worth coming prepared. Parking is free on the western bank, and Wolsingham has dog-friendly pubs a short drive away if you'd like to round off the walk with a drink.
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Tunstall Reservoir car park, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3LZ
54.7687, -1.9097
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