The best walks and hikes around Colt Crag Reservoir

There are over 40 hiking routes available around Colt Crag Reservoir, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging treks through the Northumberland landscape.

Yes, the area is well-suited for easy and family-friendly walks. For instance, the Hallington Reservoirs – Hallington Reservoir loop from Hallington Reservoir West is an easy 1.9-mile (3.0 km) path, providing direct access to the reservoir's edge and is suitable for a quick outing with gentle elevation changes.

Hike durations vary significantly depending on the route. Shorter, easy loops like the Hallington Reservoir – Hallington Reservoirs loop from Colwell can be completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes (3.5 miles / 5.6 km). Longer, moderate routes, such as the Gunnerton Money Hill – Colt Crag Reservoir loop from Gunnerton, might take around 4 hours 20 minutes for 10.2 miles (16.4 km).

While many routes are gentle, there are options for more challenging hikes. The Track Along the Reservoir – Hallington Reservoir loop from Well House CAMC CL is a difficult 14.7-mile (23.6 km) trail that offers a longer and more demanding experience, typically taking over 6 hours to complete.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the hiking trails around Colt Crag Reservoir. However, as much of the area is open countryside and agricultural land, it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock and to protect local wildlife.

The best time to hike around Colt Crag Reservoir is typically during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer more predictable weather, longer daylight hours, and the opportunity to enjoy the Northumberland scenery in bloom or with vibrant autumn colours. Winter can be beautiful but may present colder, wetter, or icy conditions.

Yes, many of the routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Chesters Roman Fort – Humshaugh Village loop from Humshaugh, a moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) circular trail that explores the wider surroundings.

Parking is available at various points around the reservoir and nearby villages. Specific parking information is often detailed on individual route pages on komoot, or can be found in local guides for the area. Always check for designated parking areas to avoid obstruction.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 180 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil reservoir-side paths, the open countryside views, and the accessibility of routes for various fitness levels.

While Colt Crag Reservoir itself is quite rural, nearby villages in the Northumberland area offer options for refreshments. You can find local pubs and cafes in places like Gunnerton or Humshaugh, which are often starting points or pass-throughs for some of the longer routes.

Wild swimming in Colt Crag Reservoir is generally not permitted. Reservoirs are often private property and used for drinking water, making swimming unsafe and potentially prohibited due to water quality concerns, hidden currents, or machinery. It's best to check local regulations or look for designated swimming spots elsewhere.

To find less crowded walks, consider exploring some of the longer or more challenging routes, or visiting during off-peak times (weekdays, early mornings). The area generally offers a sense of tranquility, but specific routes further from popular access points may provide more solitude.