Derwent Reservoir & Dam

Derwent reservoir runs to the north of Ladybower reservoir in Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park. It’s separated by Derwent dam, which has become an iconic viewpoint that visitors flock to all-year round. Owned by Severn Trent to serve water to the surrounding region, it stretches for 3.5 miles (5.6 km), covers 4 km², and reaches a maximum depth of 35 metres. When full, it holds up to 11 billion gallons (50 million m³) of water. While swimming is not permitted, there are many ways to experience this beautiful reservoir. Featured in our list of best Peak District reservoirs, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.

Derwent dam is a magnificent structure that connects to Ladybower reservoir. The dam stands tall at nearly 35 metres (114ft) and around 340 metres (1,110 feet) in length. The popular viewpoint is known to overflow when water levels get too high in Derwent reservoir. This creates a beautiful cascade down the dam wall akin to a waterfall. The water then flows into Ladybower reservoir where the plugholes help to drain excess to prevent flooding.

Derwent dam was built as part of a giant project that spanned over 10 years. Construction started in 1901 and took over a decade. Due to the massive scope of the project, over 1000 workers lived in a temporary village named “Tin Town” where they had dancing balls, schools, clothing shops, and a canteen for drinking.

Victorian engineer Edward Sandeman was a stone dam specialist who designed the gothic styling and castle-like towers that helped make it famous. During WWII it served as part of a raid training site for the 617 Dambusters RAF Squadron because the building style was similar to the dams in western Germany they later breached to help preserve our freedom. On rare occasions events are held here to celebrate the brave sacrifice of fallen servicemen such as VE Day. The last survivor of Operation Chastise in 1943, Sqn Ldr George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, died aged 101 in December 2022.

Derwent dam bridge contains a memorial. You can’t walk across the dam bridge directly but it only takes 10 minutes to get to the opposite side as there are paths going down to the bottom of the dam.

From Fairholmes, the nearest car park, there are three official derwent dam and reservoir walks that you can find on the visitor information board. These trails are the easiest to follow as they’re colour coded and signposted along the route.

The hills surrounding Derwent are more challenging but treat you to epic views from above and aren’t much longer than walking around the Derwent and Howden trail.

Derwent reservoir isn’t used for fishing, swimming or boating. For water activities, check out Ladybower reservoir, or Slippery Stones in the River Derwent just north of Howden reservoir if you want to swim. Ladybower fisheries are located by Heatherdene car park below Bamford Edge but you can also use their private parking spots. You can book an experience for boat fishing, bank fishing or Tenkara in certain streams along Howden and Derwent as well. There’s also a tackle shop.

Fairholmes is the main car park located just below Derwent dam and costs £3.50 for 2 hours and £7 all day. This is quite expensive and you can save half the price at Derwent Overlook car park which is close by but there’s very limited space so this is your best bet to secure a space around peak times. Payment can be made by coin or card and you can also use the RingGo app, which is useful to extend your allocated time slot if needed while on your walk.

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre includes a shop, visitor information and a cafe with outside seating but has been closed for the foreseeable future by the council due to rising costs to maintain it. This is surprising given the area is busy, albeit seasonal, but at least Derwent Bike Hire and Repair centre remains open and is recommended to use for the longer trails if you’re unable to bring your own. Don’t forget to bring photo identity (driving licence or passport) and a refundable cash deposit (1-5 bikes £20).

By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps here to get to Fairholmes Car Park, Derwent Lane, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ. Along the road turning into the car park, Derwent Lane, there is another parking bay called Derwent Overlook car park, which is a 5 minute walk away. Further down the road towards Snake Road along Ladybower reservoir there are some smaller lay-bys for free parking but this can add up to 35 minutes onto your walk. The furthest spot is here and ideal for the Ladybower and Lost Villages yellow trail since it’s part of the route. Simply head down the grass area and follow the path either way.

By public transportation: Sheffield is the main access point to get there, however services are very limited since Hulleys of Baslow ceased operations in March 2025. First, get a train to Sheffield rail station, then from the front entrance walk 5 minutes to Sheffield Interchange to get the 257 South Pennine bus to Bamford via Ladybower and get off at Fairholmes car park in ~40 minutes. Sheffield students and locals can also get on at Broomhill outside Hallamshire Hospital or Crosspool Church. After the trip, get the same bus back from Fairholmes to Sheffield centre and walk to the station. Note, this bus only operates during the summer on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

By taxi: Most Uber and cab drivers won’t venture out to the Peak District. Penny’s Cars is available if you’re in the Hope Valley region but it’s a small local operation and can take a while.