River Derwent

The River Derwent winds through County Durham and Northumberland in north-east England before joining the River Tyne near Gateshead. It rises where Beldon Burn and Nookton Burn meet west of Blanchland and flows for 35 miles through reservoirs, gorges and wooded ravines. Along its course it passes Shotley Grove, famous for its fish pass, and the grand Gibside estate. The river’s waters hold brown trout and European grayling, attracting anglers to its banks. Signal crayfish and common barbel also live in the Derwent, while the Derwent Walk Country Park follows its banks at Rowlands Gill. A 40-verse poem by John Carr, born in nearby Muggleswick, celebrates the river in local literature. Visitors can follow paths beside the water through Derwent Gorge and past the Nine Arches Viaduct. The riverbank walk leads to Shotley Bridge and Blackhall Mill, offering views of wooded ravines and open moorland. At Derwenthaugh the Derwent meets the Tyne beneath Scotswood Bridge and the MetroCentre.