Our Visitor Sites
Upper Derwent Valley
The Derwent, Howden and Ladybower Reservoirs make up the Upper Derwent Valley
Car parking
The car park is pay and display, and is £3 for up to 2 hours or £5 all day. Parking charges apply for blue badge holders.
Accessibility
Most paths are fully accessible, being wide and well surfaced. Please
call in at the Fairholmes Visitor Centre if you are concerned about
travelling around.
Dog walking
At this site you're welcome to walk your furry friend. Due
to the nature and wildlife on site you will need to keep your dog on a lead at
all times.
Activities
Cycling
Grab the bikes and helmets and go on an adventure! Family friendly cycling is in the immediate areas around the
reservoirs, while more challenging routes can be found along the sides
of the valley and beyond. Cycling is permitted along the many bridleways,
but not along designated footpaths. For cycle hire, call 01433 651261.
Bird watching
The steep wooded valleys of the Upper Derwent offer a great opportunity
for spotting a diverse array of birds and other wildlife, although there are no bird hides, the site has easy and open access to views.
During nesting season it is possible to watch songbirds nest and rear
chicks on the nest cameras at Fairholmes Visitor Centre.
Walking
Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or a more demanding hike, there are a range of tracks to suit all abilitie, some of which are public roads. If you are an avid walker and wish to explore the high moorland, please do come prepared for more challenging terrain and be equipped with maps and suitable clothing.
Horse riding
Horses are welcome at Upper Derwent Valley, with a range of routes available for riders, both on and off public roads. Parking facilities for horse boxes are at the Bridge End car park, this is also where bridleways can be accessed.
Fishing
Ladybower Reservoir, part of the Upper Derwent Valley, has trout and fly fishing available in a 13 mile stretch. There fishing boats with well serviced engines for hire which can be booked by calling Ladybower Fisheries on 01433 659712.
Facilities
Toilets
There are toilets across the site at various locations.
Outdoor fun
There are several picnic tables dotted around the site. Due to the
nature of the site however, BBQs are not permitted at Upper Derwent
Valley.
Catering
Fancy a refreshing drink, ice cream or even a snack? The kiosk at
Fairholmes visitor centre is on hand during your visit.
Come visit us
We have some stunning countryside and nature to explore. There really is something for everyone at one of our 10 reservoirs.
Did you know?
The Derwent, Howden and Ladybower Reservoirs that make up the Upper Derwent Valley are situated in the stunning Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.
About Upper Derwent Valley
- The reservoirs were created in the early 20th Century to provide 10,000 million gallons of water for the growing urban population in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
- Over 1000 people were involved in building the reservoirs and were housed in the temporary ‘Tin Town’ at Birchinlee.
- There are the flooded of villages of Derwent and Ashopton – when water levels are low, you may get a glimpse of the village remains.
- The settlements of Derwent and Ashopton were abandoned to make way for the reservoirs and the imposing neo-gothic dams were built in the deep valley to contain and control the fast flowing moorland rivers.
- The Derwent, Howden and Ashopton Resevoirs were in fact once the training site of the famous Dambusters Squadron.
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Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction