Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir

7.1 miles (11.5 km)

This walk explores Pow Hill Country Park and the expansive Derwent Reservoir in County Durham. The park has some lovely waterside trails with splendid views across the reservoir. There's also a small woodland area with picnic tables.
The walk starts in Pow Hill at the car park. You can explore the park before following a footpath south east to the dam. Then cross the impressive dam and follow the tracks round to Cronkley before finishing at the Millshield picnic area.
The reservoir is one of the biggest inland waters in England, stretching for 3.5 miles (5.6�km) and covering an area of 4�km�. Along the trail you can look out for a wide variety of pretty wildflowers. There's attractive heathland with pretty heather, foxgloves and dog violet. You can also see lots of wildlife on the water including Great crested grebes and crossbill. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the conifer plantation of Pow Hill.
To extend your walking in the area head west and visit Blanchland. The delightful village is full of picturesque cottages, set against a backdrop of deep woods and open moors. There's a lovely waterside trail along the River Derwent to follow here. You can also pick up the long distance Weardale Way in the village.
Cyclists can enjoy a splendid circular route around the water on our Derwent Reservoir Cycle Route.
Just to the north west you will find the expansive Slalely Forest. There's miles of nice wide walking trails and mountain bike trails here.

Postcode

DH8 9NU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Pow Hill Country Park and Derwent Reservoir Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

You could head south to visit the village of Edmundbyers where you can enjoy refreshments at Punch Bowl Inn or the 17th century Baa inn.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The circular Edmundbyers Walk starts from the nearby village and visits Muggleswick Park where there are fine views back to the reservoir.
To the east is Consett where you can pick up the Consett and Sunderland Railway Path, a popular shared cycling and walking trail.
Just to the east there's Allensford Country Park. There's nice riverside trails, a decent cafe and a lovely waterfall on the Wharnley Burn in this popular and picturesque park.
Just to the south you can pick up the Waskerley Way. This shared cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line with views of the nearby Waskerley Reservoir and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North Pennines Walks and the County Durham Walks pages.