The best walks and hikes around Derwent Reservoir

Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails around Derwent Reservoir, making it a great place for a walk with your four-legged friend. However, you will be walking through areas with wildlife and potentially livestock, so it's important to keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where required by local signage.

The main starting point for many walks is the Fairholmes visitor centre, which has a large pay-and-display car park. This is the starting point for several popular routes, including trails to Derwent Dam and along the reservoir shores. Be aware that it can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.

Yes, there are several options for families and those looking for a gentle stroll. The paths directly alongside the reservoirs are generally flat and well-maintained. Some sections, particularly around the Fairholmes visitor centre, are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, offering lovely waterside views without any strenuous climbs.

Accessing the heart of the Upper Derwent Valley by public transport can be challenging as direct services are limited. The nearest train stations are in Bamford and Hathersage, but you would need to arrange a taxi or use a local bus service from there, which may not run directly to the main trailheads. It's best to check local bus timetables in advance as services can be infrequent.

The most famous landmark is the historic Derwent Dam, known for its role in training the Dambusters squadron during WWII. A visit to the Derwent Dam Viewpoint is a must. On some routes, you might also see the unique gritstone formations of Derwent Edge or, when water levels are very low, the remains of the 'lost village' of Derwent.

There is a cafe located at the Fairholmes visitor centre, which is a popular spot for refreshments before or after a hike. For pubs, you will generally need to travel to the nearby villages in the Hope Valley, such as Bamford or Hathersage, as there are no pubs situated directly on the main reservoir trails.

Hiking is possible year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Late summer is particularly beautiful when the heather on the surrounding moorlands blooms, covering the landscape in purple. Autumn brings stunning colours to the woodlands, while clear winter days can offer crisp, quiet walks. Spring sees the return of birdlife to the area.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the region offers demanding routes with significant elevation gain. The Ladybower, Derwent Edge & Win Hill loop is a difficult 15.5-mile (25 km) trek that rewards you with panoramic views from multiple summits.

For some of the most rewarding views, you'll need to climb away from the water. The hike up to Bamford Edge, a well-known rocky overhang, provides sweeping vistas across Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley. The trails along Derwent Edge also offer fantastic panoramic views over the reservoirs and surrounding moorland.

Both offer stunning scenery, but they have different characteristics. The full loop around Ladybower is longer and often follows busier roads in sections. Derwent Reservoir's shoreline paths feel more secluded. For a route that combines both, the Ladybower & Derwent loop from Fairholmes offers a moderate 4.4-mile (7.1 km) hike along both shorelines.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic scenery, particularly the combination of vast reservoirs and rugged moorlands. The well-maintained paths and the historical significance of Derwent Dam are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 550 routes mapped on komoot in the region. These range from easy waterside paths suitable for all abilities to difficult full-day treks across the high moors, ensuring there's a walk for every type of hiker.