Derwent Waterside Park

If you’re searching for a peaceful waterside escape during your stay with us Derwent Waterside Park at Derwent Reservoir is a brilliant place to start.

Set within the North Pennines National Landscape, this big-sky reservoir and its shoreline paths deliver easy walking, gentle cycling, superb birdwatching and classic Pennine scenery.

Located 45 minutes drive from Burradon Farm, you will find it nestled between the pretty villages of Blanchland and Edmundbyers on the border of County Durham and Northumberland.

Derwent Waterside walks

Popular starting points for a Derwent Reservoir walk include Pow Hill Country Park on the south shore and Millshield Picnic Area on the north shore.

Both have access to the shoreline path network which is one of the best ways to experience the area.

There’s a fantastic multi-user path that runs from Pow Hill Country Park (south shore) to the dam at the eastern end, and then continues along the north shore towards Millshield Picnic Area. This is a great choice for walkers, runners and cyclists who want a scenic route without a steep climb.

Short, flat waterside stroll: out-and-back from Pow Hill towards the dam.
Family-friendly picnic walk: start at Millshield Picnic Area and follow the shore path for views across the water.
Longer ride or run: combine the shoreline path with quiet local roads to make a bigger loop around the reservoir.

Things to do at Derwent Waterside (beyond walking)

Outdoor adventure park for the kids: located next to the visitor centre, the interactive play space is designed to let young creative minds wander through play and discovery. From thrill-seeking tots to daring teens, the outdoor adventure playground encourages children to engage in the open air whilst boosting their health and fitness.
Fishing (angling): the reservoir is stocked with trout and is a well-known angling venue; permits are available at the visitor centre. A fantastic sport, with tons of health benefits and something the family can enjoy together. Once you get that first bite, you will be hooked!
Cycling: the multi-user shoreline path makes for relaxed cycling, with options to extend onto local roads for a longer circuit. With events like Tour of the Reservoir hosted yearly bringing in elite riders from across the world, the cycle routes available are well worth experiencing.
Sailing: Derwent Sailing Club offers sailing, windsurfing and open water swimming for those who really love to get close to the water.
Birdwatching: The mix of open water, pasture, grassland and heath around the shore supports a wide range of wildlife, and the reservoir is used by birds as a breeding area and migratory stopover. A bird hide overlooks the nature reserve at the western end of the reservoir. Bring your binoculars!
Family time: picnic spots and nearby facilities make it easy to turn a short walk into a full day out.

Planning your visit: access, parking and facilities

For an easy start, head for Pow Hill Country Park (south shore) or Millshield Picnic Area (north shore), both of which connect directly to the reservoir-side path.

The Derwent Reservoir route is popular because it’s accessible for many visitors, with parking nearby and facilities in the area including toilets.

The Derwent Waterside Park cafe provides the perfect retreat for lunch. You can also pick up a tasty treat to enjoy al fresco at several picnic areas on site.

Dogs are very welcome at Derwent but must be kept on leads. They do have a 12 acre doggy field to let your four-legged friend run free.

Please note that swimming/entering the water for any reason is not permitted in the Reservoir.

What to see nearby

One of the joys of visiting Derwent Waterside Park is how easy it is to pair a reservoir walk with a classic North Pennines village.

Blanchland is one of the prettiest villages in the region and is a popular nearby stop for a post-walk wander or grab a bite to eat at The Lord Crewe Arms or the White Monk Tearoom.