Hunderthwaite, Baldersdale, County Durham
Hannah's Meadow
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2Once owned and farmed by Hannah Hauxwell, this small upland reserve protects two species-rich hay meadows and a grazing pasture shaped by traditional farming.
Hannah's Meadow is more than a pretty patch of flowers: its hay meadows preserve a traditional farming landscape and wildlife-rich habitat, with Hannah Hauxwell's story rooted in the land itself. A short waymarked walk makes it a rewarding, unhurried stop in Baldersdale.
Peaceful · Secluded · Wild
Find your way
Open mapHunderthwaite, Baldersdale, County Durham
Opening map…
The experience
Come for a short, slow walk through a rare traditional hay-meadow landscape. Follow the waymarked trail, look for summer flowers and take time to notice how the meadows and grazing pasture sit within Baldersdale's working upland farmland.
Things to do
Walk the waymarked meadow trail
Follow the approximately 1.5-mile waymarked trail through the reserve. The Pennine Way also passes through the site.
About 1 hour for the short circular walk described by a walk guide
Look for meadow flowers and grasses
The reserve protects two species-rich unimproved upland hay meadows and a grazing pasture. Visit in the recommended June–July period to experience the reserve at its stated best.
Find out about Hannah Hauxwell
Read the reserve information and, if open, explore the barn displays about Hannah's life and the farming methods associated with the landscape.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Meadow Walk
- 01
Park at Balderhead Reservoir car park and walk to the reserve entrance.
- 02
Follow the waymarked trail through the reserve, taking time to notice the hay meadow and grazing pasture.
- 03
Return to your starting point.
Half day · Allow 1–2 hours
Meadows, Reservoir and Hannah's Story
- 01
Start at Balderhead Reservoir car park and take in the reservoir setting before walking to the reserve entrance.
- 02
Follow the waymarked route through the meadows and pasture; the Pennine Way runs through the reserve.
- 03
Visit the information board at the entrance and, if open, explore the displays about Hannah Hauxwell and the traditional farming landscape.
- 04
Allow time to pause for wildflowers and views rather than treating the walk as a route to hurry through.
Verified history
The reserve was once owned and farmed by Hannah Hauxwell. Durham Wildlife Trust describes its meadows and grazing pasture as shaped by farming practices over several centuries. A supplied walk guide says the barn contains displays about Hauxwell's life and farming methods; check whether it is open before planning a visit.
Hidden details
A working landscape preserved in the meadows — The reserve is not simply a flower-rich field: its two unimproved hay meadows and grazing pasture retain signs of a traditional farming landscape shaped over centuries.
When to go
June · July · No specific time of day is stated in the supplied sources.
Durham Wildlife Trust identifies June to July as the best time to visit and highlights spring flowers and wildflowers among the reserve's features.
Some uneven ground is reported on the walk. Check local conditions before setting out and wear footwear suitable for meadow tracks.
The route
- surface
- Grassy paths, meadow tracks and some uneven ground.
- distance
- Approximately 1.5 miles for the Durham Wildlife Trust waymarked trail; a separate walk guide describes a 1.7-mile circular walk.
- duration
- Around 1 hour according to the supplied walk guide.
- difficulty
- Described by the walk guide as short and easy; some uneven ground is noted.
- waymarking
- Waymarked trail, according to Durham Wildlife Trust.
- route shape
- Circular, according to the supplied walk guide.
- start point
- Balderhead Reservoir car park; the reserve entrance is approximately 250m east.
- parking start
- Durham Wildlife Trust recommends parking at Balderhead Reservoir car park. Limited roadside parking is also mentioned.
- Species-rich unimproved upland hay meadows
- Grazing pasture in a traditional farming landscape
- The Pennine Way passing through the reserve
- Information about Hannah Hauxwell
What to look for
Look for the variety of meadow flowers and grasses that thrive in species-rich, unimproved hay meadows. Notice the contrast between the meadows, grazing pasture and surrounding traditional farmland.
The story
Traditional upland hay meadow farming; Hannah Hauxwell
Best time to go
June to July, the reserve's stated best time to visit and the season for its spring and summer flowers.
June to July is Durham Wildlife Trust's recommended visiting period. Go in daylight and check local conditions before setting out; paths may be uneven.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families · Dogs
Practical information
Opening & access
Durham Wildlife Trust says the reserve is open at all times and free to enter. The Pennine Way passes through it. Parking is available at Balderhead Reservoir, about 250m east of the reserve entrance.
Parking
Parking at Balderhead Reservoir, approximately 250m east of the reserve entrance; limited roadside parking is also mentioned. Durham Wildlife Trust recommends the reservoir car park.
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Accessibility
The route includes grassy paths and meadow tracks, with some uneven ground reported by a walk guide. Wheelchair access is not verified; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Reservoir nearby; no swimming permission is evidenced.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Hannah's Meadow
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Source image8.5Kisdon Force
River Swale, 500 metres downstream from Keld, Swaledale, North Yorkshire
18.3 km away
Smiddy Shaw Reservoir Loop
Smiddy Shaw Reservoir, Muggleswick Common, County Durham
29.3 km away