Derwent Valley and reservoir walk
Discover many key Peak District habitats as you walk alongside the Ladybower Reservoir, through farmland and up steep wooded cloughs. You'll emerge high on top of the moors to panoramic views of the Derwent Valley and much of the High Peak area. Look out for golden plover, mountain hares and many other species on the way.
Plan ahead
There are no bins in the countryside, so please take all litter home with you. Barbecues, campfires and outdoor cooking equipment is not allowed due to fire risk. If you wish to stay overnight, please book in at a campsite, as wild camping is not allowed in this area.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Fairholmes car park, grid ref: SK173893
Step 1
Start your walk at Fairholmes car park, turning right out of the car park and following the road towards Derwent Dam.
Step 2
Walk past the dam and follow the road uphill, walking alongside Ladybower Reservoir on the right and Old House Farm on the left, towards the site of the old Derwent village.
Step 3
The village was flooded when the dam was built in the Second World War. Only two buildings remain; the Lodge and the schoolroom, which you pass as you walk along the lane. To view the site of the village and an information panel, continue down the slope and, across a bridge. Retrace your route back up the short slope and at the top, turn sharp right at the end of a high wall onto a track, over a stile and past the ruins of a farm.
Step 4
Continue uphill until you reach a cottage. Just past the cottage, where the path divides, keep left and climb uphill through open fields and then over a stile onto moorland. After about ½ mile (800m) and a right turn by a wall corner, as the track levels, you will pass Pike Low 100 yards (90m) on your left.
Step 5
Continue along this track above Mill Brook (below on your right). Follow the track to the Scots pine shelter belt ahead, which runs towards Green Sitches (a sitch is a ditch or wet area). Keep left at the fork just before the pines.
Step 6
Follow the track until it turns right at a fence. Cross the fence by the stile and continue to the derelict farmstead of Bamford House along the edge of the moor, with Derwent Reservoir below on your left.
Step 7
On reaching Bamford House, turn left and take the steep path downhill towards the reservoir. Turn left again once you reach Derwent Reservoir and follow this track alongside the reservoir and back towards Derwent Dam and Fairholmes car park.
End point
Fairholmes car park, grid ref: SK173893
Trail map
More near here
Kinder Scout circular walk
Leave the car behind on this exhilarating walk that starts from Edale train station and takes you high up on the windswept Kinder Plateau. Plan your walk before you leave home, so that your visit is one that is enjoyable and kind to the landscape at the same time.
Edale Circular Walk
This low level walk through the Vale of Edale leads you through vast, open fields as well as parts of the Pennine Way, following streams and stone-flagged paths.
Below Kinder Scout: A circular walk around Kinder reservoir
This 5.2-mile circular walk takes in the tree-lined avenues around Hayfield as well as the heather-covered moors of Kinder Scout and the reservoir.
Mam Tor circular walk
This circular walk from Mam Tor in the Peak District takes in some of the most dramatic scenery in the Edale Valley.
Get in touch
near Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WA nearest postcode area
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking and cycling in Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
Discover the best views of the Peak District on a refreshing walk or bike ride through Kinder, Edale and the High Peak in Derbyshire.
Things to see and do at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
Discover breath-taking views of the Peak District, natural landscape features and the best spots for wildlife watching at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak.
Visiting the Peak District with your dog
Walking with your dog is a great way to enjoy the scenic walks and stunning views of the Peak District. Here is some information and guidance about visiting the area with your dog.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Walking in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Discover the best walking routes around the Peak District and Derbyshire for walkers of all abilities, from peaks and lakeside paths to expanses of moorland.