Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve
Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve
Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve in northeast England, known for its dramatic gorge carved by the River Derwent and extensive ancient sessile oak woodlands. The area features varied terrain, including steep riverbanks, tranquil forest paths, and open fields, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more. Its diverse landscape and rich natural features provide a setting for outdoor activities.
128
Routes
4.5
(213)
Average rating
2312
People visited

4.6
(19)
71
hikers
7.43km
01:57
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(14)
244
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(6)
117
hikers
14.6km
03:47
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.5
(2)
31
hikers
10.6km
02:58
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
33
riders
35.3km
02:25
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(9)
173
riders
39.8km
02:33
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(9)
42
riders
15.6km
01:05
140m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(6)
57
riders
21.8km
01:25
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
runners
7.64km
00:51
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
22.0km
02:37
340m
340m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(14)
73
riders
39.8km
03:21
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
28
riders
26.5km
02:12
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
19
riders
41.9km
03:10
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(8)
20
riders
19.1km
01:10
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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37
riders
68.3km
03:26
1,040m
1,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
30
riders
51.7km
02:29
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

32
riders
60.9km
03:13
970m
970m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

24
riders
82.6km
05:09
1,930m
1,930m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.0
(4)
47
riders
43.4km
02:22
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
44
riders
54.6km
03:11
530m
530m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
42
riders
57.8km
03:02
350m
350m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
68.5km
03:49
650m
650m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve offers a range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Road cycling, Jogging, and Gravel biking. The reserve features a network of footpaths and cycleways suitable for various skill levels.
The reserve is known for its dramatic Derwent Gorge, carved by the River Derwent, and extensive ancient sessile oak woodlands. It also features unique semi-natural grasslands and is recognized for its significant assemblage of over 60 species of tree-growing lichens.
Yes, the reserve offers easy hiking options, including leisurely strolls through tranquil woodlands and along the riverside. For specific routes, refer to Easy hikes around Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve.
The reserve generally accommodates dog walkers, but specific rules may apply to protect wildlife. Visitors should keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or sensitive habitats. Information on suitable routes can be found in Dog-friendly hikes around Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve.
The reserve offers diverse cycling routes, including options for touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. Routes traverse minor roads, woodland paths, and unpaved segments. Guides like Road Cycling Routes around Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve and MTB Trails around Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve are available.
The reserve supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Birdwatchers may spot red kites, buzzards, spotted and pied flycatchers, redpolls, siskins, wood warblers, dippers, kingfishers, and goosanders. Roe deer are also present within the woodlands.
The Hownsgill Viaduct is a historic railway viaduct located within the Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve. It is a prominent man-made landmark that offers views across the surrounding landscape and the gorge.
The reserve is a popular destination, with more than 32,000 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars.
Yes, the reserve provides suitable terrain for running. Specific routes and information can be found in the Running Trails around Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve guide.
The reserve office can be contacted by phone at 01833 622374. This number is also used for booking school and group sessions.
The reserve contains some of the finest ancient sessile oak woodlands in northeast England. These woodlands exhibit a zonation of types, from dry, acidic sessile oak woods on higher ground to lime-rich ash and wet alder woodlands on lower slopes, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

