ダーウェント貯水池

Derwent Reservoir offers a variety of walking routes. The full perimeter loop is a popular choice, providing a comprehensive experience of its scale and beauty. This route is generally considered intermediate due to its length and varied terrain, including sections along a quiet road. For those seeking a less strenuous option, there are multi-user trails and nature trails available, which are suitable for beginner hikers and families. You can find specific routes and their difficulty ratings on platforms like komoot to help plan your visit.

Walking the entire perimeter of Derwent Reservoir, which is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, can take approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. The terrain is varied, with some sections on dedicated paths and others along a quiet road.

Yes, Derwent Reservoir can be a beautiful destination for a winter hike, offering different charms with the season. For winter visits, it's crucial to wear appropriate clothing. Layering is key, including a waterproof and windproof outer shell, warm base layers, and insulated mid-layers. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential, as paths can be muddy, icy, or wet. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect against the cold.

Yes, Derwent Reservoir is very family-friendly and dog-friendly. While the full loop is accessible, families with young children might prefer shorter, flatter sections of the multi-user trails or nature trails, especially around picnic areas like Millshield or Pow Hill. For dogs, there are abundant dog-friendly trails, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near wildlife and livestock, and to check for any specific signage regarding dog access in certain areas.

Derwent Reservoir can become quite popular, especially on sunny weekends and during peak seasons. Parking fills up fast, particularly at popular spots like Millshield, Pow Hill, and Carrick Haugh. Arriving before mid-morning is strongly recommended to secure a parking space. During quieter times, finding parking is generally straightforward.

While parking is available, public transport options to Derwent Reservoir are limited. It is primarily accessed by car. Visitors are advised to check local bus services for routes that may pass near the reservoir, but direct access might require a taxi or a longer walk from the nearest stop.

The area around Derwent Reservoir offers several amenities for visitors. There is a cafe and a shop on-site, providing refreshments and basic necessities. For more extensive options, nearby villages and towns will have pubs and various accommodation choices. The reservoir also features picnic spots at Millshield, Pow Hill, and Carrick Haugh, along with a play park for children.

Beyond walking and cycling, Derwent Reservoir is a hub for various water-based activities. It hosts a sailing club that organizes events throughout the year, including windsurfing and triathlons. Fishing is also a popular activity, with the reservoir stocked with trout; permits are typically required for anglers. The designated nature reserve areas also make it excellent for birdwatching.

No, entering the water for unauthorized swimming or just for a quick cool down is not allowed. This is for safety reasons and to protect the reservoir, which is a key part of the region's water supply network.

Derwent Reservoir is recognized as a dark sky-friendly site due to its relatively low light pollution, especially compared to urban areas. This makes it an excellent location for stargazing and observing celestial events, offering clear views of the night sky for enthusiasts.

While the Derwent Reservoir in County Durham/Northumberland doesn't have a large, ornate dam like its Derbyshire namesake, the dam head itself is a notable feature, uniquely constructed from earth dug out of the ground. The reservoir's vast expanse offers numerous scenic viewpoints along its perimeter, providing picturesque vistas across the water and the surrounding natural landscape. The designated nature reserve areas also offer opportunities to observe diverse bird species.

Construction of Derwent Reservoir began in 1960 and it was officially opened in July 1967. Uniquely, unlike many reservoirs created by flooding valleys, Derwent Reservoir was largely dug out of the ground, with the excavated earth then used to construct its dam head. It was proposed in 1957 to serve as a principal water source for the Tyne and Wear metropolitan area, and continues to be a crucial part of the North East's water supply network.