River Walk

Of all the trails in Chopwell Wood this is one of the visitor’s favourites, contrasting from giant Douglas Fir over 40 metres high to semi-natural oak woodland, balanced on the crags of the River Derwent. Relax at the ‘bird of prey’ viewpoint with stunning views of the Derwent Valley and if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of a red kite, spectacular birds re-released in 2004 after an absence of over a century from the region. Halfway around the trail you pass through Lintzford Wood where the landscape gives you an insight into the forces that shaped the area 10000 years ago. The trail here passes along the base of a long, narrow ridge called an esker. This consists of material deposited by a stream that ran under a glacier which covered the landscape of the Derwent Valley during the last ice age. Despite the 'muscle loosening' climb back up to the car park, this walk is a pleasure from beginning to end. Alternative parking can be found at Lintzford lay-by on the A694, one mile west of Rowlands Gill. From here, cross the main road and follow the public footpath into the Wood at Lintzford.