Derwent Reservoir

Park at Pow Hill Country Park. Parking is free.

(S/E) From the parking head for the obvious wooden fingerpost (Millshield Picnic Area) and follow the good path through a gate and down towards the reservoir. The path bears right and contours the southern edge of the reservoir. Cross a small stream via a footbridge or stepping stones to arrive at another gate in front of a road and car park.

(1) Go through the gate, turn left, walk past the car park and onto the dam. Cross the dam to another car park and turn immediately left (info board). Follow the good path through a gate and around the reservoir, at one point using well maintained wooden boards. Where the path becomes a wider track lookout for a signpost and turns to the left. (To this point the paths are good and accessible for pushchairs with larger wheels)

(2) Turn left at the signpost (Millshield Picnic Area) and follow the path around and through woods to arrive at Millshield Picnic Area where there are toilets and wooden benches.

(3) You can walk down to the reservoir, picnic and when you are ready to head back the way you have come.(S/E)

Toilets are open at Millshield Picnic Area and also at the seasonal visitor centre at Derwent Bridge (turn right at the north end of the dam and follow the road).

No shelter and if windy take a warm layer and a windproof.

Good picnic areas at Pow Hill Country Park and at Millshields.

It is possible to park at either end of the dam and either end of the walk if you want to make the walk shorter or do it in a different direction.