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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ✦ NewPub

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 📍 Map View →

The George Hotel, Hathersage ★ Featured

The George at Hathersage, a stunning 500 year old inn with a hidden courtyard and some of the best food in the…

3.7 miles away 📍 Map View →

Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District ✦ NewCafe

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 📍 Map View →

Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash, Peak District ✦ NewFarm shop

Tagg Lane Dairy, home to the best ice cream in the Peak District, possibly the whole UK. A proper farm dairy treat,…

13.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all food and drink on the map →

More walks near here

Bamford Edge Walk

Easy–Moderate 📏 2.9 Miles ⏱ 1-2 Hours

2 miles away View →

Edale Skyline – A Peak District Challenge

Hard 📏 20.3 Miles ⏱ 7-10 Hours

2.2 miles away View →

Castleton, Cave Dale & Rushup Edge Circular Walk

Moderate 📏 10.9 Miles ⏱ 4-5 Hours

3.6 miles away View →

See all walks →

POIs nearby

The Salt Cellar A gritstone rock formation on Derwent Edge 📍 1.4 miles away View on map → Hathersage Stepping Stones Stepping stones across the River Derwent 📍 3.3 miles away View on map → Little Johns Grave The resting place of Robin Hood's sidekick 📍 3.7 miles away View on map → Robin Hood's Stoop Robin Hood shot an arrow from here to Little Johns grave 📍 3.8 miles away View on map → Winnats Pass A spectacular limestone gorge and road 📍 4.5 miles away View on map → Mam Tor The Great Ridge or the Shivering Mountain 📍 4.6 miles away View on map →