ROMALDKIRK

Take the Barnard Castle road from the centre of Romaldkirk, and within 300 yards turn right for Baldersdale. Four miles beyond the hamlet of Hunderthwaite a signposted road to the left leads you down to the Balderhead dam. You can park at the north end, or if you wish (and no vehicle is coming the other way!) you can drive the whole length of the dam and park at the other end.

The reservoir and its shores support many species of upland flora and fauna, with the "tail" of the reservoir providing an important winter refuge for wildfowl.

FISHING

Balderhead is operated as a "wild" upland fishery, and contains native stocks of brown trout.

WATER SKIING

Water skiing is permitted on five days a week during summer, and is controlled by Balderhead Water Ski Club, who occupy the clubhouse near the north end of the dam. For details of membership you should contact the Recreation and Conservation Department of Northumbrian Water, at Abbey Road, Pity Me, County Durham DH1 5FJ.