Blanchland & the Upper Derwent

The Derwent Valley, one of the Durham Dales, is sometimes an overlooked corner of the North Pennines – but if you venture into its hidden depths you won’t be disappointed!

White lands

The small village of Blanchland with its honey-coloured cottages, is perhaps the most attractive settlement in the whole of the North Pennines. Blanchland means the ‘white lands’ – almost certainly a reference to the white habits of the Premonstratensian canons of the old Blanchland Abbey. Today the village, abbey and surrounding countryside are well worth a visit.

Derwent Reservoir

Downstream from Blanchland the flow of the River Derwent is interrupted by the three mile long Derwent Reservoir. It was built in 1967 and is the second largest reservoir in Northumberland. There is a choice of three excellent picnic sites on the bank of the reservoir – with trails (including new easy access paths), bird hides, nature reserves and fishing opportunities to entice you to stay a while longer.

Places to visit, things to do

Blanchland – built from the remains of a 12th century abbey, the attractive village and the surrounding countryside are well worth a visit. The village has a tea room, shop, pub and children’s playground. Don’t miss the new easy access path, created by the AONB Partnership, in Blanchland. Visit the recently restored Shildon Engine House.

Derwent Reservoir – second largest man-made reservoir in Northumberland. There is an easy access path, created by the AONB Partnership and Northumbrian Water, from Pow Hill Country Park to the dam and then along the North shore as far as Millshields. The reservoir is a popular place to fish for trout.

Hire an electric bike from Edmundyers or Blanchland.

Pow Hill Country Park – on the south shore of Derwent Reservoir between Blanchland and Edmundbyers.

Visit Northumberland – Discover things to do throughout Northumberland, all types of accommodation, where to eat, special offers and itineraries.

This is Durham – Durham Tourist Information – Find things to do in Durham City and County, hotels and accommodation, what’s on, restaurants, special offers and itineraries.

Further afield

Tanfield Railway – 07508 092 365 – Working steam railway – see the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge, Causey Arch.

Beamish Museum – 0191 370 4000 – world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s.

Hexham Abbey, the Priory and Parish Church of St. Andrew – 01434 602 031. Also gift shop, café and exhibitions.

Hexham Old Gaol – 01670 624 523 – Step into the oldest purpose-built prison in England. Descend into the dungeon, peer into the gloom and imagine confinement in the dark awaiting trial in the nearby Moothall.

Hexham Farmers Market

Hadrian’s Wall

Northumberland National Park

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