Derwent Reservoir and Muggleswick - Jim Birkett Memorial Walk

Follow the signs to Pow Hill (lower car park) , there is plenty of parking. It's an 8 mile walk initially along the banks of Derwent Reservoir, crossing the dam of the reservoir before crossing a road and heading across fields up to Muggleswick church and the moors near it. Great views over Derwent reservoir are on offer. The footpath crosses a few stiles and a gap in a wall which has had a very low wire fence placed to fill the gap. It is easy to step over. There were animals in the fields (horses and sheep) but none were interested in humans. 

On the recce there was mud on a flat section of the path leaving the moors of Muggleswick Park before climbing up to Edmundbyers (where toilets are available, circa 6 miles into the walk) and then returning on to Pow Hill. The walk is 8.1 miles. It is around 700 feet of climb. Refreshments will be taken in the Derwent Arms in Edmundbyers after the walk which seems appropriate. 

Jim Birkett 

Before I get onto the walks for this week we wanted to share some sad news with you.  Many of you will have known Jim Birkett, who walked with us for a number of years.  As some of you know he has been unwell for the last few months, sadly he passed away (1/3/24); many of us  were fortunate to know and walk with Jim.

Jim was part of the duo who initially filled the Wednesdays that were not planned for walks, in the days of alternate weeks, so instigating the 'every Wednesday' which we all continue to enjoy. He was a great walk planner and enthusiastic deliverer, who encouraged many new Walk Leaders by helping plan and recce their routes.  Although he has not walked with the Ramblers since lockdown he is still a significant part of our walking memories.