A Full Guide to the Ladybower Reservoir Walk
This guide to the Ladybower Reservoir walk will cover all the questions you may have before you set off for an unforgettable walk in the Peak District National Park.
The Y-shaped Ladybower walk is known for being straightforward and spectacular, going through well-made paths on a circular route. It was built between 1935 and 1943 and officially opened by King George VI in 1945!
The reservoir with its large deep valley holds a staggering 28,350 megalitres or 6,300 million galloons of water. To put that into perspective it is 11,000 Olympic swimming pools – now that is a lot of water! It heps that this area has a high average rainfall – perfect for storing water.
It is one of our favourite Peak District walks, and we guarantee that you’ll love it too. It is in the Upper Derwent Valley, in the heart of the Peak District and the nearest village is Bamford (it is close to Hope and Castleton too).
In this guide, we share everything you need to know to have a fabulous day out, including Ladybower Reservoir’s history, top tips, parking information and full directions to the walk.
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: well-made tracks and pavements
Ladybower Reservoir Walk Postcode: S33 0AQ
Ladybower walk grid reference: SK 17247
Facilities: Car Park, Visitor Centre, Toilets, Café, Water- refill station.
Background
The Ladybower Reservoir is an artificial reservoir, which was created as a water supply in 1945. In the 1940s Derwent Village and Ashopton Village were submerged into water, and the villagers relocated. There were about 10 houses, Woodlands Church and Derwent Hall and they were moved to the nearby Yorkshire Bridge two miles away. The buildings in Ashopton were taken down before the reservoir was created. However, Dewent Village was visible 14 years later in a dry summer. You could see the clock tower until 1947 when it was destroyed.
Today residents from Nottingham, Leicester, Derbyshire are supplied with water from the Upper Derwemt Valley. In 1945 King George VI planted an oak tree to celebrate it’s opening.
In summer, (when it is drier), you can see the foundations of some of the buildings as you enjoy the Ladybower walk. We recently were lucky enough to see it for the first time (November 2022) and we were able to walk along the bricks of the old buildings from the villagers of Derwent. It was impressive to see, especially as we had heard so much about it over the years and it reminds you of the sacrifice the residents had to make. How would you feel if you were asked to move from your house?
However, if you are lucky enough to visit, please remember that there can be thick mud and not to damage any sites.
Derwent Dam
An interesting and elegant structure that takes centre stage is the impressive 35m, Derwent Dam. From 1902 to 1916, thousands of navvies created the dams by digging foundations, hauling stone from nearby Grindleford.
They are famous for being the place where practice-bombing missions for the 617 Squadron took place. They later appeared in the 1954 film ‘The Dambusters.’ You can see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, where you can see flypasts from Lancaster and Spitfire bombers.
During the 1990s the dam wall was strengthened and made higher to reduce possible flood risks!
Ladybower Reservoir Walk Directions
Follow the signs to the Derwent Valley Dams from the A57. The good idea is to aim for the Fairholmes Visitor Centre and park in one of the free parking areas or at the Visitor Centre. As the Ladybower Reservoir walk is circular, it does not matter where you park because you can join the path at different points on the walk.
Ladybower Reservoir Walk Parking
The Ladybower walk parking is plentiful. There are free options along the road towards the Fairholmes Visitor Centre, but if you do not go earlier enough (at least on a sunny weekend), it is unlikely that you will find a space.
Alternatively, you can park your car at the Fairholmes car park, and the costs are £3 for up to two hours or £5 for all-day parking (2023). You can now pay using both cash and card including contactless payments.
Remember, there is no overnight parking here, and charges apply at all times.
It is good to know that the money you pay at the Ladybower reservoir car park maintains the beauty of the Ladybower walk. For example, track repairs, fencing, litter picking, and site maintenance. Therefore, we do not mind paying when we are here as we know that the money is going to be spent well, looking after the place we love.
You can follow the Google Map directions here.
Ladybower Reservoir Visitor Centre
We have to say, we are always impressed with the Fairholmes Visitor Centre. They have so much useful information for your Ladybower Reservoir walk. This includes the detailed weather forecast of the day you’re visiting, how to get involved volunteering and signs where you can learn about the area. You can also rent bikes as the walk is suitable for a bike ride too.
The Fairholmes Visitor Centre is named after Fairholmes Farm and you can see the remains of the farm near the car park. It was one of around 30 farms that was closed down to protect the purity of the water.
When is a good time to go on the Ladybower Walk?
The Ladybower walk is a year-round walk, primarily due to the terrain and the walk duration. Even in winter, you can complete the circular route in the short daylight hours, and in summer, you can enjoy the extensions to the walk. For example, you can climb up Win Hill.
Good to know – Useful Tips
There are plenty of new useful signs from Severn Trent Upper Derwent Valley explaining key information when you arrive. But it is always good to know what to expect before you go.
- The walk is great for accessibility: prams, family-friendly cycling, and wheelchairs. There are no styles and no kissing gates.
- You can wear trainers to complete the Ladybower walk, but hiking shoes are better, especially in the colder and wetter months. We find that it is muddy in Autumn/ Winter or after heavy rainfall.
- Visit the Ladybower Reservoir Visitor Centre for up-to-date information and other walks in the area.
- There are toilets available in the car park.
- You can purchase hot drinks, food (hot dogs, Panini jacket potato), and ice cream at the Café. They do ask to pay in cash if you can, but there is a card machine. It is a no-frills café, so do not expect cappuccinos or flat whites, but they do have instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
- There is a free water refill station near the picnic benches and café at the Fairholmes Visitor Centre and car park.
- Please keep your dogs on a lead to protect the wildlife. There are many signs that will inform you of this.
- Take litter home with you, or recycle at the recycling facilities next to the Visitor Centre.
- Swimming is not permitted, the water can be cold and deep and there may be Blue Green Algae that may make you sick.
- No BBQs or open fires are permitted.
- You are not permitted to use drones.
The Ladybower Reservoir Walk Map
The Route – 12 Steps to Follow
As previously discussed, you can start the hike at different places (as it is circular). Still, for argument’s sake, we have begun the instructions from the Visitor Centre, as this is where most people will park.
- From the Visitor Centre car park, you can head right or left to begin the circular walk. We recommend going left so you can find the Derwent Dam on your return and spend time reading the information and enjoying the view.
- You will have to walk on the footpath next to the road until you go past the first parking area. Before you reach the second parking area, you will find a sign which says ‘ Easy Footpath to Bridge End Car and A57 – Walkers only please’ and follow it into the woodland.
- You will see the pipes in the Ladybower Reservoir, and you should follow the path adjacent to the reservoir. It is not difficult to get lost!
- You will go through a gate, through woodland, and then go down some steps between some pipes before heading back through the woods.
- Keep following the path until you end up in a more open area. It means that you are close to the Ashopton viaduct, which is a great time to take some pictures. Did you know that the arches that you will see are only at the very top of the structure? It is incredible to think that the remains of Ashopton village are underneath the water.
- Once you arrive at the Ashopton viaduct, you need to cross it (be careful if it has rained because the cars may soak you in water), and you will need to turn left at the end of the footpath, go up a short sealed road and go through the gate. Make sure you take in the views as you cross the Ashopton viaduct! This track will bring you to the other side of the reservoir to continue the circular Ladybower walk.
- It is now easy to follow the path and enjoy the scenery. You will go past livestock grazing, small waterfalls and see some fishermen in their boats. The only thing to remember is to stick to the path next to the reservoir and not take any right turns and enjoy the shaded woodland.
- You will see some attractive houses and a red telephone box waiting to be photographed. We certainly weren’t expecting to see one here! It is all that remains of the Derwent Village, the other village that was flooded to create the Ladybower Reservoir.
- When you arrive at the fork in the road, keep left and follow the path slightly downhill. Do not follow the path towards the Public Bridleway to Langsett. You will now be very close to the Derwent Dam, and they will soon be in sight. If you head through the gate you will see the dam in the distance. Here you will find lots of information about the dam and its purpose and purpose. In the winter months, there will be water flowing from the Derwent Reservoir above.
- Here you can decide; you can go up to extend your walk and head to the Derwent Reservoir. Or you can go down the stairs and have a picnic overlooking the dam. Be sure to check out the green Derwent Valley Water Board sign that is in the middle!
- Finally, you can head 500m back to the Visitor Centre and car park by following the path up the small hill. Here you can have a well-deserved cup of tea or ice cream before heading back to your car.
- Well done – you have completed the Ladybower Walk! Where to next?
Ladybower Walk Checklist – What to Bring
- Water
- Food and snacks
- Camera
- Suitable footwear
- Raincoat
Cycling at Ladybower Reservoir
There are many different cycling routes in the area, depending on challenge and distance (9-19km). It is good to know that you can only cycle in the bridleways and not on the footpaths or moorland. If you are unsure, you can ask in the Information Centre about the different routes and hire bikes for all the family there. We regularly see many groups, including families cycling and enjoying themselves at Ladybower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ladybower walk dog friendly?
Yes, the Ladybower Reservoir walk is a dog-friendly walk. In the Fairholmes car park, you may find signs asking you to keep your dog on a lead due to Ground-nesting bird season or livestock.
How long does it take to walk around Ladybower Reservoir?
Depending on the speed, and if you want to stop for photos or food, it will take between 1 and 3 hours to complete the 5-mile Ladybower Reservoir circular walk.
Are there any places to eat near the Ladybower Reservoir?
Yes, you can eat at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, The Ladybower Inn, and the Ladybower café (a favourite roadside cafe).
Can you walk around Ladybower Reservoir?
Yes, the Ladybower Reservoir walk is a circular route.
Are there alternative Ladybower walks nearby?
Yes, there are different Ladybower walking routes you can take, including the Derwent Reservoir walk nearby.
A popular walk around Ladybower is Win Hill: 13km (3.5hours) – climbing 360m for impressive views over the Ladybower Reservoir.
Alternatively, if you are looking for some easy-to-follow walks, there are three easy-to-follow walks recommended by the Visitor Centre. They all start at the Visitor Centre and are at varying levels of challenge and accessibility. Follow the arrows for the following colours and choose the best route and path for you.
Red: 1.5km (40-minutes). This Ladybower reservoir short walk is suitable for pushchairs, and you will have views of Derwent Dam.
Black: 3km (90-minutes). Climb up to see views of Derwent Edge and the moors.
Green: 4.5km (2-hours) for views over Kinder Scout and the valleys.
There is also the Bamford Edge walk for the best views over Ladybower Reservoir and Alport Castles to see the largest landslide in the UK or Howden Reservoir and Slippery Stones.
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.