The sun came out, the air was fresh, and I was off to explore one of the most beautiful, and often overlooked, valleys in the Durham Dales: the Derwent Valley.
I’ve done plenty of walking and hiking around here, but this time I was trying something different: a full e-bike tour around the Derwent Reservoir. And I’ll tell you right now, it was a revelation.
If you’ve ever looked at a hilly route and thought, “maybe not today,” the e-bike is your answer.
These brilliant machines are so easy to use and completely take all the strain out of the ride. As I found out, the “ups” of the route’s ups and downs become absolutely exertion-free. It’s just you, the bike, and the incredible views.
But before you jump on Google, there’s a vital “BaldHiker Pro-Tip” you need to know.
The All-Important Pro-Tip: Make Sure You Have the Right Derwent!
This is the most important advice I can give you. If you just search for “Derwent Reservoir,” you will almost certainly get results for the other one—the famous “Dambusters” reservoir in the Peak District, Derbyshire.
That’s a great day out, but it’s the wrong place!
We are in the heart of the North Pennines National Landscape, in County Durham. Our reservoir has its own unique character, its own stunning trails, and its own, slightly hidden, way of doing things.
Make sure your satnav is pointed to County Durham (I’ll give you the right postcodes below).
Derwent Reservoir Info
The reservoir was opened in 1967 and is the main water supplier to the area of Tyne and Wear.
Most reservoirs of the UK were created by flooding a valley and building a dam head to stop the flow at one end…. but Derwent Reservoir was different, it was actually dug out of the ground with the earth removed going into the dam head.
Another point is although I am talking about the County of Durham here, parts of it venture into Northumberland.
Why an E-Bike is a Game-Changer Here
So, why was I so set on an e-bike? Because the full route “around” the reservoir isn’t all a flat, easy path.
The full circuit is a fantastic loop of about 11 miles. Part of this is a wonderful, 3.5-mile multi-user trail that’s perfect for walkers and families.
But to complete the full circle, you have to join some of the quiet “local roads” that link the trail back up.
This is where the e-bike turns a potentially tough, sweaty climb into a breezy, scenic adventure. It’s the key that unlocks the full tour for everyone, not just hardcore cyclists.
How to Hire Your E-Bike (The “North Pennine Places”)
This is the other secret. You don’t just turn up at the reservoir visitor centre to hire your bike. The bikes are part of the fantastic North Pennines Electric Bike Hire network, run by lovely local businesses in the surrounding villages.
The two local hire points you need are:
- The Old Village Shop in Edmundbyers, Co. Durham (Postcode: DH8 9NN)
- Blanchland Post Office in Blanchland, Northumberland (Postcode: DH8 9SR)
I’d recommend calling them ahead to book. As I found, the hire comes with all the kit you need—helmets, locks, and bags for your gear.
My Recommended Starting Point (And a Great Parking Tip)
The hire shop in Edmundbyers is just over a mile from the reservoir itself. You can either enjoy that as the start of your ride or, as I did, park up at the reservoir.
My starting point was Pow Hill Country Park, on the south side of the water. And it was a perfect choice. This is the scenic, natural side of the reservoir, a beautiful moorland park with panoramic views.
And here’s the best bit: While the main visitor centre car park has a charge , the Pow Hill Lower Car Park is completely free. It’s the perfect base for a day’s adventure.
The Ride: Huge Views and Woodland Trails
Setting off from Pow Hill, you are straight into it—huge views opening up across the water, with gorgeous, colourful woodland tracks ahead.
The trail here is wide and well-made, designed for walkers and cyclists to share, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.
I had all the time in the world to explore, and I found myself stopping constantly, just to get off the bike and admire the views across the water at every opportunity.
The path takes you along the south shore towards the main dam. On the other side, you’ll find the Derwent Waterside Park.
This is the main hub and a great place to stop. It’s got the cafe, toilets, a shop, and a big adventure play park for kids.
After that, it’s onto the quiet local roads to complete the loop, letting the bike’s motor flatten out those Durham Dales hills. It’s a magnificent way to spend a day in the fresh air.
Your Plan-of-Attack: E-Biking the Derwent
Here are the essential facts to plan your own trip.
Where is it?
- You are going to Derwent Reservoir, County Durham.
- For the scenic start (and free parking), use Postcode: DH8 9NU (Pow Hill Country Park).
- For the main cafe/toilets, use Postcode: DH8 9TT (Derwent Waterside Park).
E-Bike Hire
- Book your bike from the North Pennines Electric Bike Network.
- Call The Old Village Shop, Edmundbyers (01207 255 394) or Blanchland Post Office (01434 675 209).
Parking
- Head to Pow Hill Country Park (DH8 9NU) and park in the Lower Car Park for free.
- Parking at the main Derwent Waterside Park (DH8 9TT) is pay-and-display (around £5 for the day).
The Route
- The full circular route is approximately 11 miles (17.7 km).
- It’s a mix of a flat, 3.5-mile multi-user path and hilly, quiet local roads.
Facilities
- The main cafe, shop, toilets, and adventure play park are all at Derwent Waterside Park (DH8 9TT).
Discover More in the Durham Dales
Once you’ve conquered the reservoir, why not explore more of this incredible area?
- See the awesome power of High Force and Low Force waterfalls.
- Explore the lovely Slitt Wood, another hidden gem in Weardale.
- On a clear night, the Dales are one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
- Or, plan a full weekend break in historic Durham City itself.
