The best walks and hikes around Edmondbyers

There are over 20 hiking routes to explore around Edmondbyers, ranging from easy strolls to challenging full-day hikes. The collection includes 8 easy, 15 moderate, and 2 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every ability level.

Yes, many trails around Edmondbyers are suitable for walking with a dog. However, the region is a mix of open moorland and farmland, so you will likely encounter livestock. It's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing and bird nesting seasons (typically March to July).

For a relatively flat and accessible walk, the Derwent Reservoir loop from Pow Hill Bog is an excellent choice. It's a shorter route that still offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape, making it ideal for families or those new to hiking.

Accessing the trailheads around Edmondbyers via public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. Most routes are best reached by car. If you plan to use public transport, it's crucial to check the latest bus schedules and routes to Edmondbyers or nearby villages in advance, as services may be infrequent.

Many walkers start from Pow Hill Country Park, which has a car park and provides direct access to trails around the Derwent Reservoir. It's a popular and well-regarded starting point. For other routes, parking is often available in small lay-bys or designated spots near the trailhead, but these can fill up quickly on weekends.

The village of Edmondbyers itself has a pub. You can plan a circular walk that starts and ends in the village, allowing for refreshments after your hike. Many routes pass through or near the village, making it a convenient option for a post-hike meal or drink.

The terrain is quite varied. You can expect a mix of well-maintained shoreline paths around the Derwent Reservoir, open moorland tracks that can be boggy after rain, and woodland trails. Some routes also follow old industrial paths, like former railway lines or lead mining trails, which can be stony underfoot.

Yes, the landscape around Edmondbyers features several burns and streams with small waterfalls. The area around Feldon Burn is particularly known for its series of cascades, offering a peaceful and scenic hiking experience away from the more popular reservoir paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning views across the Derwent Reservoir and the peaceful, open moorland scenery of the North Pennines.

For a more strenuous day out, look for routes that take in the higher fells and hills like Stoterly Hill. These hikes involve more significant elevation gain and often cross rugged, open moorland, rewarding you with panoramic views of the Derwent Valley and beyond.

The North Pennines AONB is rich in wildlife. On the moors, keep an eye out for ground-nesting birds like curlew and lapwing. The woodlands and the Waskerley Way are good spots for seeing various butterfly species, and if you're quiet and lucky, you might spot a slow worm basking in the sun.

Yes, the View of Derwent Reservoir – Derwent Reservoir loop from Edmundbyers is a great option. At under 8 km, it's a manageable moderate walk that provides fantastic views of the reservoir without requiring you to complete the full circuit.