Welcome to Heatherdene
Heatherdene car park is located off Ashopton Road in Hope Valley, Peak District. It’s the go-to place to start a walk to Bamford Edge, sitting just above on the hillside. It’s also ideal for Ladybower reservoir walks to see Ladybower dam on the south side of the reservoir.
Heatherdene car park - Peak District NP
Heatherdene car park is run by the Peak District National Park Authority. Here’s everything to know before visiting:
- It’s an outdoors Pay & Display car park.
- 60 spaces available
- 7 dedicated disabled spaces
- No EV charging pods
- 2 Pay & Display machines (card or coins), charges apply to blue badge holders.
- Facilities include public toilets.
- No overnight parking, swimming, camping or fires/BBQ allowed.
- Pick up dog poo and take away with you (no bins). Keep all dogs on a lead while you’re near the main road.
Car Park Charges
| Parking Duration/Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £3.50 |
| All day | £6.00 |
| Disabled badge holders | Same charges apply |
Parking charges apply Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays. Opening times aren’t specified but the entrance barrier is usually open, and while charges could technically apply 24 hours a day, enforcement is very unlikely to take place outside peak hours (9am to 6pm) as it’s virtually empty by the evening. There are 2 Pay & Display machines, 1 you can pay by card (including tap) and coins while 1 is coin only (no change is given). You’ll get a physical ticket to display on your windscreen for rather 2 hours or all day. Prices rise over time so may not be the same on the date you visit.
Walks near Heatherdene Car Park
Bamford Edge
Climb steadily from Heatherdene car park to reach Bamford Edge, where sweeping views open out across Ladybower Reservoir. The gritstone cliffs provide dramatic photo spots and a real sense of height above the valley. It’s a rewarding walk with a big payoff, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the landscape.
Ladybower Reservoir
Follow the shoreline path for a peaceful, scenic stroll beside the water, with woodlands and rolling hills all around. The iconic plugholes and long dam walls add a unique feature to the route. It’s a relaxing walk with plenty of spots to pause, picnic, or just take in the reflections across the reservoir. Check the top images for official routes.
Win Hill
A steady but satisfying climb leads to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Peak District. From the summit, you’ll see sweeping views over Ladybower, Hope Valley, and beyond. The route feels adventurous yet accessible, making it a favourite for walkers wanting a classic Peak District hill experience.
Derwent Edge
Head up onto the wild moorland for a more rugged, open walk dotted with striking rock formations like the Salt Cellar. The views stretch endlessly across Upper Derwent Valley and Derwent reservoir, with a real sense of space and solitude. It’s a slightly tougher route, but perfect if you’re after dramatic scenery and a bit of adventure.
Is there free parking nearby?
Absolutely, but it’s limited. There’s roadside parking along the reservoir just opposite Ladybower fisheries near the car park. You’ll find spaces along Ashopton Road leading into the car park. So, if you’re coming from Bamford, any spot from the Yorkshire Bridge Inn (on your left) is great for free parking and won’t add much time onto any walks or hikes. For Bamford Edge, consider starting at New Road, which is just off Ashopton Road near Yorkshire Bridge.
Getting to Heatherdene Car Park
By Car
Use GPS or Maps to get to Hetherdene Car Park – Peak District NP, A6013, Hope Valley S33 0BY.
By Bus
- The main route is the 257 (and variants 257a/257b), linking Sheffield (interchange) ↔ Ladybower ↔ Bamford ↔ Bakewell.
- Buses run through the day on weekdays and Saturdays, but not on Sundays for this route.
- Frequency is roughly every 1–3 hours, so you may need to plan ahead.
- Journey time from Sheffield is around 25–30 minutes, making it a very easy car-free option.
- The stop is right by the reservoir at Ashopton / Heatherdene, ideal for starting walks immediately.
- The 87/87a runs through the area but is very limited (typically once a week service), so it’s not practical for most visitors.
By Train
Get the Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly to Bamford within 50 minutes. From Bamford station, you can pick up the same 257 route heading toward Ladybower/Sheffield. The bus stop is a short walk from the station area (near the village centre / main road). Buses pass through Bamford regularly during the day, but again only every hour or two. The bus journey from Bamford to Heatherdene is very short (just a few minutes), making it a handy link if you’re arriving by train.
By Walking
The nearest train station is Bamford Station, which is 2.4 miles away. All you need to do is follow the main road north for 50 minutes.