Cow Green Reservoir
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Cow Green Reservoir

4.7
·77 reviews·, United Kingdom

Vast reservoir in the North Pennines, offering stunning remote landscapes, impressive dam, and access to Cauldron Snout waterfall.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Cow Green Reservoir

Cow Green Reservoir

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vast reservoir in the North Pennines, offering stunning remote landscapes, impressive dam, and access to Cauldron Snout waterfall.

4.7
(77 reviews)

"A brilliant spot for walkers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys wild landscapes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reservoir and Cauldron Snout.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

There are no bins, so bring your own food and drinks, and be ready to take all rubbish home.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 77 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Impressive Dam

The Impressive Dam

Cow Green Reservoir

Marvel at the engineering feat of the dam, a focal point of this vast reservoir.

Cauldron Snout Waterfall

Cauldron Snout Waterfall

Beyond the dam

Embark on a walk to witness the dramatic cascades of Cauldron Snout waterfall.

Panoramic Reservoir Views

Panoramic Reservoir Views

Various viewpoints

Soak in the breathtaking, peaceful scenery of the wide valley and surrounding fells.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Remote Beauty

Cow Green Reservoir offers stunning, remote landscapes. Pack for changeable weather, sturdy walking shoes, and bring your own food and water as amenities are minimal. Remember to take all your trash with you to preserve the pristine environment.

Access and Amenities: Plan Ahead

The main car park is your gateway to exploration, with porta-loos available. There are no bins, so be prepared for a 'leave no trace' experience. This remote location means limited services, so plan your visit accordingly.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cotton Wool Welded To Eardrums (why dont we numb up patients?) #durhamhearingspecialists #audiology #earcleaning #fyp #earwaxremoval #microsuction #ears #earwax #cottonwool #barnardcastle #stocktonontees #durhamcity
@durhamhearing
11.2K likes • 378.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reservoir and Cauldron Snout. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

There are no bins, so bring your own food and drinks, and be ready to take all rubbish home. Reddit

Barnard Castle, County Durham, 1913 #countydurham #durham #durhamuni #durhamnc #ncl #northeast #northeastengland #newcastle #ncl #History #ukhistory #newcastletiktoker #tyneandwear #northumberland #north
@billyjbarton.ncl
3.3K likes • 54.4K views
Cow Green Reservoir ➡️ Widdybank Fell ➡️ Cauldron Snout 🥾 . . . #cowgreenreservoir #widdybankfell #cauldronsnout #adventuresonfourpaws #countydurham #teesdale
paws.explore.north
113 likes • 1.8K views

🧥 Dress for All Weather

The North Pennines weather is unpredictable; layers and waterproofs are highly recommended. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

This is a photographer's paradise with stunning views and wildlife opportunities. Reddit

The dam head at Cowgreen Reservoir, thats some pressure pushing the water out 😳#cowgreenreservoir #pennineway #getoutside #mtbuk #rideyourbike
graemefletcher21
27 likes • 454 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be uneven; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the reservoir and Cauldron Snout. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

There are no bins, so bring your own food and drinks, and be ready to take all rubbish home. Reddit

🧥 Dress for All Weather

The North Pennines weather is unpredictable; layers and waterproofs are highly recommended. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

This is a photographer's paradise with stunning views and wildlife opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(77 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, peaceful, and remote scenery at Cow Green Reservoir, highlighting its suitability for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers. The impressive dam and the walk to Cauldron Snout are frequently praised. While the lack of amenities like bins is noted, the natural beauty and ample parking make it a worthwhile destination.

"Cow Green is a great place to visit to see the reservoir and the impressive dam, and it’s also the perfect starting point for exploring nearby walks such as the route to Cauldron Snout. The scenery is stunning and it feels peaceful and remote, with plenty of open space to enjoy the views. There’s a decent-sized car park at the end of the road which makes it easy to access. A brilliant spot for walkers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys wild landscapes."

Outdoor Exploring Family

"Awesome place to go if you like walking views and walks in every direction."

Steven Sherriff

"Stunning walk from the car park down to the dam and onto cauldron spout. Weather was perfect too."

Scott irving

What People Like

Stunning scenery
Peaceful and remote
Great walking routes

What People Dislike

No bins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cow Green Reservoir is accessible by car via a road leading to a large car park at the end. It's situated in the heart of the North Pennines, offering a remote but rewarding journey. Reddit

While remote, the reservoir is well-signposted once you are in the general area of the North Pennines. The car park is a clear landmark for accessing the site. Reddit

Public transport options are very limited due to its remote location. A car is highly recommended for visiting Cow Green Reservoir. Reddit

The roads leading to Cow Green Reservoir are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow and winding in places. Be mindful of sheep on the roads. Reddit

Yes, there is a decent-sized car park available at the end of the road, which serves as the primary access point for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Cow Green Reservoir or its surrounding walking areas. Reddit

Cow Green Reservoir is an open natural landscape and does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at all times. Reddit

The car park at Cow Green Reservoir is free to use, making it an accessible destination for all visitors. Reddit

Yes, Cow Green Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for trout. You will need to obtain the appropriate permits. Reddit

The main restriction is to 'leave no trace' – take all your rubbish with you. Otherwise, it's an open natural space for exploration. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Popular walks include the route to Cauldron Snout waterfall, a stroll around the dam, and longer hikes into the North Pennines. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a lovely place for walking dogs, with plenty of open space and wildlife to see. Remember to keep them under control. Reddit

There are porta-loos available near the car park, but no bins. It's essential to bring your own supplies and take all waste with you. Reddit

Swimming is generally not advised due to cold water temperatures and potential currents. It's best to stick to walking and enjoying the views. Reddit

Visitors often report seeing various bird species and other wildlife in this natural habitat. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dam itself, the surrounding fells, and the path leading to Cauldron Snout offer incredible photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

No, general photography for personal use is permitted. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check local regulations. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. Reddit

The dramatic Cauldron Snout waterfall, the vast expanse of the reservoir, and the rugged beauty of the North Pennines are all unique subjects. Reddit

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