Grindon Lough

This Lough, is the smallest and shallowest of the four natural loughs located in the Hadrian's Wall area and is excellent for wildfowl, especially during the winter months.

Location

5 km north-west of Haydon Bridge on the Stanegate

Haydon Bridge

Northumberland

OS Map Reference

NY 806 677

Know before you go

Size

9 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

Parking is available along the Stanegate Roman Road, west of Newbrough (OL43 NY806676) which allows good views over the Lough. The nearest postcode for a sat nav is NE47 7AE.

Walking trails

There is no access onto the site.

Access

There is no access to the reserve – parking is recommended along the Stanegate Roman Road, west of Newbrough (OL43 806676) which allows good views over the Lough. The road is narrow in places, so visitors are recommended to take care when parking to ensure passing cars can pass safely.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

There is no public access to this reserve.

Best time to visit

August to September

About the reserve

The reserve is situated just north of the Stanegate (an old Roman Road which linked Corbridge with Carlisle), and lies between limestone ridges. The water level fluctuates over a large range, possibly due to drainage through the limestone and this limits the development of marginal vegetation. The Lough can be viewed from the road and is a good site for waterfowl especially in winter.

A number of geese can regularly be viewed including greylag, pink footed, bean and Greenland white-fronted geese. Whooper swans also use the lake, although the water is too shallow for diving ducks. Wading species include snipe, golden plover and black-tailed godwit. Teal, shoveler and wigeon are commonly observed.