Pow Hill Country Walk

About

DISTANCE: 500 Metres (0.3 miles)
GRADE OF WALK: EASY

Pow Hill is a Country Park with an Easy Access route approximately 0.3 miles (500 metres) long suitable for walkers and wheelchair users. The route is signposted around the 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, 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 is 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.

Dogs are allowed under control and on a lead during bird nesting season (March to August). Please clean up after your dog.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.