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Durham County Council Information Service
Finchale Priory

Pow Hill Country Park

The Country Park is a mixed woodland and moorland site on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, at the northern border of County Durham.

Pow Hill has areas of coniferous woodland alternating with heather, grass and marshland. There are picnic tables (some suitable for wheelchair users) scattered throughout the site. Areas of heather moor are linked by pleasant woodland walks. And there is an 'easy access' path at the north western end of the site, leading to panoramic views across the Derwent Reservoir towards Castleside and the Hownsgill Viaduct.

During the summer months access is permitted to the shores of Derwent Reservoir, where there is a path and a number of benches overlooking the water. In the winter months this path is closed to prevent disturbance to roosting birds. Fishing on the reservoir is organised by Northumbrian Water plc (Tel: 0870 2403549) and sailing is run by the Derwent Sailing club (Tel: 01434 675258)

Pow Hill Country Park - Site Map

Pow Hill Map

Natural History

Pow Hill is home to many different plants and animals. Red squirrel, adders and butterflies including the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary are found here, together with plants such as heather, cottongrass and Marsh Violet.

Marsh VioletFritillaryCommon Cottongrass

The area of wetland to the north west of the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Information

Location

    • 2 km (just over a mile) north of Edmundbyers on the B6306 Blanchland road.
    • Approx 33km (20.5 miles) by road from Durham City Centre
    • Grid Ref. NZ 010 517
    • Bus route see: Traveline North East and Cumbria website

Facilities

    • Free parking
    • Picnic tables and benches
    • Paths with one 'easy access' route suitable for visitors with a physical disability (including wheelchair users)
    • Waterside access (April to November by kind permission of Northumbrian Water plc)

Enquiries: Tel 0191 3833594

Area

    • 18.5 hectares (45.5 acres)

Pow Hill further information