Catcleugh Reservoir
This walk takes you along Catcleugh Reservoir before climbing to Girdle Fell for great views over the Northumberland National Park.
The reservoir is located just off the A68 road near Byrness. There's a nice path leading south off the A68 which you can follow along the water. It's a lovely area with the reservoir surrounded by attractive countryside, heather, grassland and a mixture of native and conifer woodlands. It's also great for wildlife spotting with the higher moorland area a breeding ground for golden plover and dunlin. You may also see birds of prey such as buzzards, ospreys and occasionally a golden eagle. Other wildlife to look out for includes otter, red squirrel, badger and roe deer.
After passing the southern side of the water the path then climbs past Castle Crag Forest to Girdle Fell. From here there are wonderful views back down to the reservoir.
The reservoir is located in Kielder Forest where you can enjoy miles of great cycling and walking trails. Just a few miles to the south you can visit Kielder Water and try the Kielder Forest Lakeside Way.
The climb to Deadwater Fell is also just a few miles to the west. From here there are more great views to the Lake District and the Scottish Hills.
Postcode
NE19 1TY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCatcleugh Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
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Catcleugh Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Catcleugh Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Catcleugh Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head a few miles south east through the adjacent Redesdale Forest and you could visit something of a hidden gem at Hindhope Linn. There's some pretty waterfalls here and more nice waterside trails along the burns that run through the area. The epic Pennine Way can also be picked up at the falls car park here.
Just to the east you can explore the expansive Otterburn Ranges around Byrness. There's miles of walking trails taking you to the source of the River Coquet on the border with Scotland.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Northumberland National Park Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Earl Sike
Right of way path on Girdle Fell
Stelling near Chattlehope Burn
Catcleugh Reservoir