The best city hikes and walks around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir

There are over 10 easy urban hiking trails around the Smiddy Shaw Reservoir area, primarily centered around the town of Consett. These routes offer accessible walks suitable for all skill levels.

The urban hiking routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 500 ratings. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the paths and the interesting blend of town features with glimpses of the surrounding natural landscape.

Yes, all the urban routes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are classified as easy, making them ideal for families. For a pleasant stroll with varied points of interest, consider the Greggs Coffee Stop – LUXE Street Art Mural loop from Consett, which is just over 3.5 km long.

Most urban trails in the area are dog-friendly, though it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in built-up areas or near roads. The McDonald's Consett loop from Consett offers a straightforward urban walk suitable for you and your canine companion.

Yes, all the urban hiking routes provided are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great option is the Consett Hill Summit loop from Consett, offering a 4.3 km circular path.

The urban trails around Consett offer a mix of town features and local points of interest. You can explore the Terris Novalis Sculpture loop from Consett to see local art, or discover the impressive Stone Arch Railway Bridge – Hownsgill Viaduct loop from Consett, a notable historical structure.

Urban hiking around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and changing scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the paths are generally accessible, though appropriate footwear is always advised.

Given that many of these routes are centered in and around Consett, you'll find numerous cafes, shops, and eateries available. Routes like the Greggs Coffee Stop – LUXE Street Art Mural loop from Consett even highlight specific refreshment stops.

The urban trails primarily feature paved paths, sidewalks, and well-maintained gravel tracks, making them suitable for casual walkers and those with pushchairs. You can expect relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, as all routes are classified as easy.

As the urban hikes are based around Consett, there are various public parking options available within the town. Specific parking details may vary by starting point, so it's advisable to check local signage or parking apps for the most convenient spots.

The urban hikes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir vary in length, but most can be completed within 1 to 2 hours. For example, the Terris Novalis Sculpture loop from Consett is about 2.6 km and takes roughly 40 minutes, while the Stone Arch Railway Bridge – Hownsgill Viaduct loop from Consett is 6.3 km and takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.