Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir Walk
🥾 Peak District

Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir Walk

🧡 Char & Ads 📅 July 2, 2026
📍
9.7 Miles
Distance
⏱️
4-5 Hours
Duration
💪
Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
1555ft
Elevation
🅿️
Free (limited)
Parking
🍂
April - October
Best Season
🐕
On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Paved paths and woodland trails
Terrain
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🗺️ The route

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📍 Start: S33 0AX
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Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir Walk

A 10 mile walk along Derwent Edge with amazing views over Ladybower Reservoir. This walk has it all, it’s quiet with amazing views and peaceful woodland trails towards the end.

Ladybower Reservoir from Derwent Edge and road bridge
The salt cellar on Derwent Edge with views across the hills and Ladybower Reservoir

What to expect

We always think of the walk as a good year round option, the route is mainly paved or stone so it doesn’t really get muddy like a lot of other Peak District trails. The scenery is beautiful in all seasons and a lot of people head here during heather season in August / September time.

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Looking down the Derwent Reservoir, tree lined on both sides
Derwent Reservoir close up shots with pink flowers in focus

Getting there & parking

You can park free alongside Ladybower Reservoir using postcode S33 0AX as a guide and there is more parking at Fairholmes car park, S33 0AQ, which is pay & display with toilets.

Best time to visit Best months: January to December
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Now Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Quieter / wet underfoot

Good to know

🅿️Where do we park?

You'll find free (limited) parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: S33 0AX.

🐕Can I bring the dog?

On lead only.

🥾What underfoot?

Expect paved paths and woodland trails underfoot.

The route

This is a circular route starting with the hardest climb first whichever way you do it. Once you’re on the edge its a pretty easy to follow route, the path is really clear and well marked and on reaching the reservoir, you just follow it, although make sure you don’t head the wrong way, as you’ll be doubling your distance if so.

Derwent Dam and reservoir, photo taken close to the dam
Woodland path alongside Ladybower Reservoir

Tips & what to bring

The weather can change very quickly up here and even when it feels warm at the bottom, the top could be windy and feel ice cold, so make sure you pack extra layers, waterproofs and remember plenty of water and snacks.

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Eat & drink nearby

There’s a little cafe at the visitor centre, they sell some choices of hot food, drinks and snacks. You’ve also got a few pubs on the main road not too far from where you’ve parked.

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves.
The George, Castleton, Peak District Pub
The George in Castleton, a proper Peak District pub with cracking views towards Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. Our pick for…
3.6 miles away View →
The Maynard, Grindleford ✦ NewPub
The Maynard at Grindleford has one of the best beer gardens in the Peak District and offers great food for visitors to…
6 miles away View →
Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District Cafe
Cafe 19 at Calver crossroads, a Peak District cafe with great coffee and frankly amazing cakes. The kind of place you stop…
7.7 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it
The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 3.7 miles away
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →
The Maynard, Grindleford ✦ NewHotel
The Maynard at Grindleford is perfectly placed for anyone exploring the Peak District with a beer garden that offers fantastic views.
6 miles away View →
A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering
Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District
9.2 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel
A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…
10.4 miles away View →
See all places to stay on the map →

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