Pow Hill Country Park Circular
County Durham
Pow Hill Country Park sits on the B6306 Blanchland Road above the southern shore of Derwent Reservoir, about a mile north of Edmundbyers in County Durham. There is genuine off-lead potential for a dog on the open heather moorland paths away from the reservoir shore, though a lead is needed near the water and on the path that closes each winter for ground-roosting birds. The reservoir is one of the largest inland stretches of water in England, running for three and a half miles between wooded valley sides, and Pow Hill's own ground mixes heather moorland, grassland and coniferous woodland, including Pow Hill Bog, a rare valley mire and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The waymarked circular route through the park covers 2.4km with around 72 metres of climbing, weaving between heather and gorse to viewpoints over the water. It is a short, easy outing on mixed grass and gravel paths rather than a serious hillwalk.
This is a dog friendly country park with genuine off-lead potential on the open moorland paths, away from the reservoir shore where wildfowl gather. The path nearest the water closes each winter to avoid disturbing ground-roosting birds, so check signage if visiting between autumn and spring, and keep dogs close near the car parks. Livestock is not confirmed on this stretch, but sheep graze much of the surrounding moorland, so a dog with a strong prey drive is safest on a lead. Three free car parks serve the park, with toilets on site but no cafe, so bring water for a thirsty dog.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets at the car park; no cafe or dog-friendly pub on site.
- Parking
- Three free car parks at Pow Hill Country Park (open 8am to 8.30pm), off the B6306 Blanchland Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Pow Hill Country Park Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Cottage - Whittonstall
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £636 / 7 nights
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Pow Hill Country Park Circular dog friendly?
Pow Hill Country Park is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The open heather moorland gives dogs real room to stretch their legs, and three free car parks make arrival easy. There's no cafe on site, so pack water for your dog, but toilets are available at the car park.
Can dogs be off lead at Pow Hill Country Park Circular?
There's genuine off-lead potential on the open heather moorland paths away from the reservoir shore, which is one of the park's real appeals. Near the water, dogs should go back on the lead — wildfowl gather along the shore and the path closest to the reservoir closes each winter to protect ground-roosting birds. Sheep graze the surrounding moorland too, so if your dog has a strong prey drive, keeping them on a lead throughout is the safer call.
What should I know before visiting Pow Hill Country Park Circular with my dog?
The waymarked circular route is 2.4km with around 72 metres of climbing — a short, easy outing on mixed grass and gravel paths rather than a serious hillwalk, so most dogs will find it very manageable. If you're visiting between autumn and spring, check signage on arrival as the path nearest the reservoir closes seasonally to avoid disturbing ground-roosting birds. There's no cafe on site, so bring water for your dog, and keep them close near the car parks.
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Pow Hill Country Park car park, Edmundbyers, Consett, County Durham DH8 9NU
54.8592, -1.9819
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