Pow Hill Country Park

Pow Hill is set in moorland overlooking the Derwent Reservoir. The word Pow comes from Old English and means ‘slow moving stream’ which refers to the waterlogged boggy area in the north of the site. Rain falling on the surrounding moors is absorbed into the peaty ground, water then seeps downhill into basins and shallow valleys, creating bogs. Over the years many upland bogs have disappeared through drainage but at Pow Hill it has survived.
The bog contains specialised plants such as bog asphodel, bog bean, cotton grass, ragged robin and marsh thistle and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – this designation is only given to the best wildlife habitats.
Heather moorland, grassland and coniferous woodland are home to animals such as red squirrels, adders, common lizard, slow worm and the green hairstreak butterfly. There are secluded glades for a quiet picnic and a number of seats which give panoramic views across the Derwent Reservoir towards Castleside and the Hownsgill viaduct.
Access is permitted to the shores of the reservoir where fishing (contact Northumbrian Water - tel 0191 383 2222 www.nwl.co.uk) and sailing (contact the Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club tel - 01434 675 258 www.drsc.co.uk) are available. The path is closed during winter to prevent disturbance to ground roosting birds.