Derwent Reservoir

Three linked reservoirs in the Peak District offering walks from easy dam strolls to challenging moorland hikes with views of lost villages beneath the water.

Why go

  • Visit the iconic Derwent Dam, a historic structure built 1902-1916 used by the 617 Squadron for practising the famous Dambuster Raid.
  • Walk past the flooded villages of Derwent and Ashopton, visible when water levels drop, tracing 20th-century industrial heritage.
  • Choose from easy lakeside strolls to hard moorland challenges with gritstone tors and panoramic Peak District views.
  • Spot birdlife including peregrines and ospreys; the reservoir is surrounded by rare heathland and bog habitats.
  • Combine walking, cycling, and picnicking with excellent facilities at multiple trailheads.

Full route

Derwent Reservoir Circular (full)
10.4 mi / 16.7 km · 644 m · 5.5-6 hours · Hard
Full loop around both Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. Passes Dambuster Monument and Memorial to Tip. Tarmac and gravel paths with some road walking. Stunning water views throughout.
Derwent Dam and Abbey Wood
4.3 mi / 6.9 km · 270 m · 2-2.5 hours · Easy
Out-and-back from Fairholmes along eastern banks of Derwent Reservoir. Flat gravel and tarmac paths. Beautiful water views. Suitable for families and pushchairs.
Derwent Dam Circular
5 km / 3.1 mi · 201 m · 1.5-2 hours · Moderate
Starting Bridge End car park. Climbs through woodland uphill with views of the dam. Can see flooded villages when water level very low. Popular for trail running and walking.
Derwent Edge Walk
7.5 mi / 12 km · 630 m · 3.5-4 hours · Moderate
Climbs from Fairholmes up steep wood-lined ravines to moorland. Dramatic gritstone tors and Back Tor (538 m). Phenomenal views across Derwent Valley on clear days. Rough terrain, can be boggy.
Derwent Dam
0.8 mi / 1.3 km · 39 m · 30 minutes-1 hour · Easy
Very short out-and-back to the historic dam. Popular for families, runners, and casual walkers. Open year-round. Dogs welcome off-leash in some areas.
Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail
5.5 mi / 8.8 km · 180 m · 2-2.5 hours · Easy
Colour-coded and signposted trail from Fairholmes. Follows yellow dotted signs. Easy gravel paths with stories of Derwent and Ashopton villages beneath the water.

Derwent Reservoir

Derwent Reservoir runs to the north of Ladybower Reservoir in Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park, owned by Severn Trent and stretching 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Starting from Fairholmes car park, trails follow the western and eastern banks of Derwent Reservoir, passing the Monument to the Dambusters-a reminder the area was used to practice the Dambuster Raid in Second World War. Popular trails include the 5.5 mile Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail. The Upper Derwent Visitor Centre has been closed due to rising maintenance costs, though Derwent Bike Hire and Repair remains open.

16.7 km (full route around both Derwent and Howden); shorter variants from 0.5 to 6.8 miles Distance Circular 10.4 mi
Full circular: 644 m Ascent shorter routes from 80 m to 1,781 ft depending on variant
Full circular 5.5-6 ho... Duration urs; shorter routes from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours
Easy to Hard depending... Difficulty on route chosen

Reviews

5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Keith Dredge 2 months ago
★★★★★

Derwent Reservoir is a lovely, beautiful place. Trout fishing reservoir open to everyone. We are a stocked trout fishery with the chance of catching rainbow, blue and brown trout. lf you are new or just fancy trying fly fishing we have fishing tackle available to hire. We have both bank and boat fishing available and are open 7 days a week.

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