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A Ladybower reservoir walk is a must do if you’re in the Peak District in 2024. Ladybower is the bottom of three stunning reservoirs in the Derwent valley (Ladybower, Derwent and Howden). This area is FREE for walkers and cyclists to explore and is truly beautiful in any weather. Having grown up in the Peak District we’re super excited to share all of our inside tips and advice to make your Ladybower reservoir walk perfect. These are our 3 top pick routes for a Ladybower Reservoir walk – The first route (Pike Hill) is easy and would be suitable for families with young children. The second route is a little more challenging due to the increased distance. This one could be done by bicycle. The third route is hard due to the distance and terrain and would be suitable for families with older children.
Don’t miss these lovely Ladybower Reservoir Hotels
Looking for more inspiration and ideas? Don’t miss our ultimate guide on Peak District Family walks. If you’re blessed with a toddler check out THE BEST Peak District walks with toddlers.
Ladybower reservoir walk – Fast Facts
What is there to do at Ladybower reservoir?
Derwent Dam (especially amazing when the water level is high and water cascades down the front of the dam as an overflow system), Pike Low summit for excellent views. Slippery stones (above Howden reservoir) is a great spot for wild swimming. Don’t miss the super cute nature trail at the bottom of Derwent dam – perfect for kids to explore and connect with local wildlife.
When is the best time to visit Ladybower reservoir?
Ladybower can be very busy during peak times and the carpark and laybys can fill up. If you are visiting at weekends or during the school holidays, especially during a period of nice weather, we recommend arriving early in order to find parking spaces.
How do you get to Ladybower reservoir?
Ladybower reservoir is around 10 miles west of Sheffield. If you are driving along the A57 westbound, away from Sheffield, cross the bridge and then turn right. A small road leads to the Fairholmes car park. You can also get here by bus from Sheffield: Take the 272 bus from Sheffield and get off at the Bamford turning (just after Hathersage village) and then take the H1 bus to Derwent via Bamford.
Can you buy food and drinks at Ladybower Reservoir?
There is a small kiosk at the Fairholmes car park selling snacks, drinks and ice cream. There are a lot of picnic benches around the Fairholmes car park and around the Derwent dam. If you plan to visit over a meal time we recommend bringing a picnic as the nearest restaurants are only available in pubs (10 minute drive away).
Are there toilets at Ladybower reservoir?
Yes, there are public toilets located in the Fairholmes Carpark by the Derwent visitors center. These toilets are free for anyone to use and are kept in good condition and are located at the start of the Ladybower reservoir walk.
Can you rent bikes at Ladybower reservoir?
Yes you can rent a bike at Ladybower reservoir! This is a great alternative to a Ladybower reservoir walk. There is a bike rental shop at the Fairholmes Carpark near the Derwent visitors centre. Touring Ladybower reservoir by bicycle is a perfect way to enjoy the great views and cover more distance. You can loop the dams very easily by following the roads which are smoothly surfaced and there are not too many hills.
Here is a price guide to help you plan your trip:
Adult bicycle: Half day £16, Full day £19
Mountain bike: Full day £34
Electric bike: Half day £32, Full day £36
Kids bike: Half day £12, Full day £14
They also offer kids bikes, bikes with baby seats, trailers for kids and dogs and tandem bicycles, prices range from £10 – £30
You can book bikes in advance online using the official Peak District website.
What is parking like at Ladybower reservoir ?
a little tricky. Along the road leading to the Fairholmes car park you will see laybys for parking. In some cases the laybys are pay and display (if there is a blue P symbol) and if there is not a machine you may need to walk to one. Other laybys are free to park. Be aware that the carpark and laybys can be busy at weekends and during school holidays.
Although it is not the cheapest carpark, the Fairholmes carpark is very impressive. You will find a visitors centre, bike rental, public toilets and somewhere to buy food. There are also some very scenic picnic benches and the occasional ice cream van in the area.
The Fairholmes car park has a lot of spaces but it can fill up during peak times. Pay and display parking at Fairholmes carpark costs £3 for up to 2 hours or £5 for all day parking. To help you plan your trip we have compiled this super helpful map to show some of the best parking places near Ladybower reservoir – all perfect places to park a Ladybower reservoir walk.
Ladybower reservoir walk Route 1 – Pike Low hill for great views
Difficulty: Easy (hills can be a little challenging)
Route Type: Hill round walk
Distance: 3.5 km / 2 miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Start location: This Ladybower reservoir walk starts at the Fairholmes Car park (Upper Derwent visitors centre). GPS coordinates 53.40094, -1.74240
Terrain and Accessibility: This Ladybower reservoir walk follows paths with some sections steep. Grassy fields and some steps.
Suitability for family: This Ladybower reservoir walk is great for families with kids of any age. The ascent up Pikelow Hill is steep and so could be challenging at points. This route is not suitable for prams. For families with babies or toddlers we recommend a sling or child carrier. Don’t miss the nature trail below Derwent Dam.
Route guide Pike Low hill walk
From the Fairholmes Carpark walk towards the Derwent dam. The path starts opposite to the public toilets at the carpark. When you get to Derwent dam you will see a path cutting diagonally across the field in front of the dam, towards the right hand side of the dam. Follow this path across the field. At the end of the field you will see some steps that lead up the right side of the dam. Walk up these steps and enjoy the view of the reservoir.
At the top of the steps take a right and walk up the little path that leads towards the road. This is the road that leads around the reservoir and is used for the reservoir loop walks. When you get to the road turn right and follow the road (away from Derwent dam). After around 200m look for a left turn. It is not super easy to spot, it is a steep path leading up to a gate in the wall to the left of the path.
There is a steep path that leads up to a gate. Follow this path and go through the gate. Keep following the steep path up the field until you reach a wall and a second gate. Go through this second gate and then turn right.
Follow the path next to the wall for around 200m (keeping the wall to your right). You will come to a small group of trees. You will see a path leading up to the left and a path that goes straight ahead.
Take the path that goes straight ahead and keep following this path up and around the hillside. You should see some great views of Ladybower reservoir to your right. Keep following the path as it curves round to the left and leads up to the summit of Pike Low hill.
When you get to the summit the path flattens out and if you take a small detour off the path to your left you can get some great views of Lady Bower reservoir. Return to the path and keep walking in the same direction, following the path along the top of the hill.
You will see some trees ahead, which lead back down a small valley towards Derwent Reservoir. Keep following the path. Just before you get to the trees and before you reach the fence you will see a steep path to your left leading down the hill and next to the trees. Follow this path down the hill. Take care along this section, the path is steep at points and there are a couple of points with a steep drop off to the side of the path.
Towards the bottom of this section you will come to a gate leading where the path leads into the woodlands. Keep following the path through the woods until you reach the Derwent reservoir road. When you get to the road turn left and follow the road back to the top of Derwent dam. This road returns to the top of the steps. You could either extend the walk a little further around Derwent or return to the carpark using the same route you followed at the start of this Ladybower reservoir walk.
Ladybower reservoir walk Route 2 – Loop of Ladybower
Difficulty: Medium (terrain and gradient are easy but
Route Type: Reservoir round walk
Distance: 9km / 6 miles
How long does it take to walk? 3 – 4 hours
Start location: Fairholmes car park (Upper Derwent visitors centre). GPS coordinates 53.40094, -1.74240
Terrain and Accessibility: This Ladybower reservoir walk follows paths along the side of the reservoir. The paths and road sections are smooth, well surfaced and easy to follow.
Suitability for family: This Ladybower reservoir walk would be great for families with older children who are able to cover some distance, or for families with mamas and papas who don’t mind carrying their little beans.
Route guide Ladybower Loop
From the Fairholmes car park, find the path at the south of the carpark which leads away from Derwent reservoir. This path leads past the reservoir and back up tp the road. Walk along the footpath next to the road until you reach the first layby. Just after this layby there is a second layby. Keep an eye out for a path to your left that leads down towards Ladybower reservoir and through the woods.
From here the route is pretty straight forward. Keep following this path through the woodlands keeping the reservoir to your left. Eventually you will come to the main road (the A57). At this point the path leads up to the road bridge. Cross the bride using the footpath at the side of the road.
This is a very busy and fast main road. On the other side of the bridge look out for a sharp left turn. Although this left turn is marked as a private road, it is only private for vehicles. There is a pedestrian right of way here. Follow this road back up the east side of Ladybower reservoir. After around 2km you will notice a lane forking up to the right. Do not follow this lane. Keep following the road. After a further 1.5km you will see another fork junction. This time you can either go left and follow the road along the bottom of Derwent dam and back to the road back to the carpark. Alternatively if you go left the road leads to the top of the Derwent dam.
From this point you can enjoy stunning views of Derwent reservoir and then walk down the steps to get an amazing close up view of the Derwent dam wall before returning to the carpark.
Ladybower reservoir walk Route 3 – Howden reservoir to Slippery Stones
Difficulty: Hard (long distance)
Route Type: Reservoir round walk
Distance: 16km / 10 miles
How long does it take to walk? 6 – 8 hours
Start location: Fairholmes car park (Upper Derwent visitors centre). GPS coordinates 53.40094, -1.74240
Terrain and Accessibility: This walk mostly follows a road along the side of Derwent and Howden reservoir and then follows a path up to Slippery Stones
Suitability for family: This walk would be great for families with older children or teenagers who are comfortable with walking long distances
Route guide Howden reservoir to Slippery Stones
From the Fairholmes Carpark walk towards the Derwent dam. The path starts opposite to the public toilets at the carpark. When you get to Derwent dam you will see a path cutting diagonally across the field in front of the dam, towards the right hand side of the dam. Follow this path across the field. At the end of the field you will see some steps that lead up the right side of the dam. Walk up these steps and enjoy the view of the reservoir. At the top of the steps take a left and join the road that runs along the east side of Derwent Reservoir. The route is relatively straightforward from here. Just keep following this road keeping the reservoir to your left. After around 3km you will pass the Howden dam. Keep following the road along the side of Howden reservoir. Eventually you will reach the top of Howden reservoir. The path continues to follow Derwent river up the valley. Eventually you will see a sharp left turn on the main path (this left turn leads back down the otherside of Howden). Don’t follow the path round to the left here, keep walking ahead until you see a small bridge crossing a river. Cross the bridge and follow the path down to the side of the Derwent river. This is Slippery Stones, a fantastic spot for wild swimming or just a well earned snack and a drink. To return to the carpark you can do a round walk by following the other side of Howden reservoir. This route is slightly longer because the trail follows a less direct route by the side of the reservoir. Eventually this trail leads back to the Fairholmes carpark and visitors centre. Alternatively you can return to the carpark using the same route. By the way this final walk isn’t more of a Derwent and Howden reservoir walk rather than Ladybower reservoir walk.
Looking for somewhere to stay?
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
If you’re looking for somewhere great to stay near Ladybower don’t miss the Yorkshire Bridge inn. This is very close to Ladybower Reservoir and they also have a pub and restaurant.
Reserve the Yorkshire Bridge Inn on Agoda OR Reserve the Yorkshire Bridge in on Booking.com
The Loosehill House Hotel & Spa
Alternatively check out the STUNNING Loosehill House Hotel & Spa. This is one of the more luxurious and decadent places to stay in the Peak District and is not too far from Ladybower.
Reserve the Loosehill House on Agoda OR Reserve the Loosehill House on Booking.com
The Fischers Baslow Hall
If you’re looking to splash out and want something truly classy – check out the stunning Fischers Baslow Hall. This superlative property is located next to the iconic Chatsworth house. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the unique rich culture and history of the Peak District and stay in a luxurious country house.
Reserve Fischers on Agoda OR Reserve Fischers on Booking.com
Other things to see and do near Ladybower reservoir
If you’re in the area don’t miss the lower Ladybower dam (near Bamford). This is a great spot for even more Ladybower reservoir walks.
If you have time head up towards Bamford edge for stunning views over Ladybower. It actually has an incredible protruding rock affording amazing views and the perfect Peak District insta shots. If you love adventure you can also find the REAL Robin Hood’s cave along stanage edge – we tell you the secret of finding this obscure and fascinating landmark.
From Ladybower you can also visit Hathersage village and Castleton – a great spot to see the beautiful and prominent peak Mam tor. If you’re up for some more intrepid trekking don’t miss Edale walks around Kinder Scout.
