
Located in North Derbyshire.You could very easily spend a whole day in the Derwent valley, a really lovely area at all times of the year.
The valley contains a three reservoir network with 2 very photogenic stone dams. Access via A57, Sheffield to Manchester road, very near the bridge over the Ladybower Reservoir, there's a turn sign posted 'Derwent Valley'. On the map Bamford is the nearest village (see map below images).
The road along the Derwent valley is long and ends in a bus terminus / turning circle and footpath - so you go out the way you came in. (no through road). About half way up the valley road there's a car park, visitor center, cafe and toilets. From this car park there's an easy walk along the side of a stream to the base of the Derwent Dam. This sometimes has water flowing over it - though not in the summer when water levels are low.
At weekends the road ends at the visitor center, this is because it becomes single track with very few passing places, so at busy weekends cars cannot go any further up the valley. You can still walk or cycle - but it's still a few miles to Howden reservoir. During weekdays cars can carry on to Howden along the single track road - it's not too bad a road, just long and slow as it follows the edge of first Derwent and then Howden Reservoir.
There are a few places to pull off the road, all with good access to the waters edge. It is worth the effort to go to the end of Howden reservoir, the first of the pictures below, was taken from there.
A good photo spot is right at the very far end of Howden where the road ends. Great views without leaving the car. However, if you do want a longish walk, you carry on along the gravel footpath, then there are a lot of mountain streams, woodland and a stone bridge.
Features
3 Reservoirs
2 Stone Dams
Cafe, info center
Toilets
Miles of Footpaths
Peace and quiet
free car parking