Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam East Tower loop from Derwent Reservoir

Hiking trails & Routes

Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam East Tower loop from Derwent Reservoir

Easy

4.3

(3)

hikers

Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam East Tower loop from Derwent Reservoir

01:00

3.74km

40m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

51 m

Fairholmes Visitor Centre

Highlight • Trail

Ideal starting point for various walks. You have to be early to park your car there. You can buy drinks and food without using the toilet.

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64 m

The Derwent bike hire centre is situated in Derwent Valley and can be accessed from the A57.

Cycle beside the historic Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs through beautiful woodland.

The cycle hire centre forms part of a visitor complex including Visitor Centre, refreshment kiosk and ranger services. Toilets (including disabled facilities), picnic tables and seating areas are all provided on site.

The car park is run by Severn Trent Water and there are pay and display machines.

The friendly and knowledgeable Bike Hire staff are on hand to offer help and advice and can repair small mechanical problems or fully service your bike. The Visitor Centre provides maps and guides on the area.

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106 m

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre and Café

Highlight • Rest Area

This place is open every day, all year round. We stopped for an ice lolly on a beautiful sunny day and admired the reservoir and ducks.

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615 m

Derwent Dam

Highlight • Monument

This magnificent dam (built in 1902) is set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Upper Derwent Valley. Surrounded by majestic moorland, peaceful forests, rolling farmland and rugged hills, there are endless trails to explore.

During the Second World War, the reservoir was used by pilots to practise for the ‘Dam Busters’ raids, due to its similarity to the lakes and dams of Germany.

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795 m

Derwent Dam East Tower

Highlight • Monument

Quiet place at the foot of the dam. Here you can rest on a couch and have something to drink or eat (if you brought it with you).

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1.88 km

Walker's Clough

Highlight • Natural

A steep climb up to the moors above Derwent and Howden Reservoirs with spectacular views back down over the reservoirs.

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3.45 km

Derwent Dam

Highlight • Structure

Derwent Dam, is a stunning neo-Gothic construction that far transcends function alone. Built between 1902 and 1916, it is 340 m in length and 35 m high.

The dam is famously linked to WWII history; RAF’s 617 Squadron, the “Dambusters”, trained here using “bouncing bombs”.

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