Dark Peak three reservoirs cycle trail
Suitable as a family cycle-route or for the more energetic riders out there, this impressive location has something for everyone.
Start:
Fairholmes car park, grid ref: SK173893
1
Start at Fairholmes car park (non-National Trust) and bike hire beside the Derwent Reservoir dam wall. Cycling out of the car park follow the cycle route left up towards Derwent reservoir.
The Dams
The Howden, Derwent and Ladybower dams were built in 1901, 1916 and 1935 respectively and the reservoirs provide water to Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. Their construction was controversial because they sacrificed two villages - Ashopton and Derwent. In very dry summers the crumbling buildings of Derwent village can still be seen. However, the major claim to fame for Derwent Dam is its part in the RAF's low-level dambuster flying training during the Second World War in preparation for the bombing of German dams with Barnes Wallis bouncing bombs.
2
Continue along the road, cycling alongside Derwent Reservoir until you reach Howden Reservoir, where the road from Coldside Oaks turns into a gritstone track.
Upper Derwent Valley
Upper Derwent Valley has attracted many tourists over time, with its mixture of water, woodlands and open moors. The dramatic Victorian dams were built by 'navvies' using stone brought by train from Bolehill Quarry on the Longshaw estate. Coldside Oaks used to be for site of charcoal burning platforms and lead smelting.
3
After a while you will reach the bridge at Slippery Stones, where the track turns back on itself. This is the original Derwent village bridge which was dismantled when the village was flooded and eventually rebuilt here in 1959. Your route now crosses over to the other side of Howden Reservoir and descends towards Ladybower Reservoir.
Valley wildlife
Derwent Valley is an invaluable area for wildlife. You'll see where we've been planting young trees to try and develop native woodland on the hillsides, to improve the wildlife habitat as part of our 50 year vision for the High Peak moors. Look out for birdlife such as buzzard, merlin or peregrine falcon. The valley is famous for its birds of prey which can be seen in mating dances in the early spring, or via live CCTV links to nest sites during the breeding season at Fairholmes Information Centre.
4
This track runs alongside the opposite bank of all three reservoirs and will lead you down Ladybower Reservoir until you reach the A57.
5
Once you are at the bottom end of Ladybower Reservoir next to the A57 follow the track around and up back towards Fairholmes car park, where you began your ride.
End:
Fairholmes car park, grid ref: SK173893
