Howden Reservoir

Howden is a Y-shaped reservoir in Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park. It’s owned by Severn Trent to serve water to the surrounding region. Resting on the shoulders of giants – Ladybower and Derwent reservoir – Howden reservoir is more secluded than its popular siblings. And yet, it offers incredible views, forestation, and moorlands that give it unique characteristics. Featured on our best Peak District lakes recommendations, here’s a highlight of what to expect and advice to get the most out of your visit:

Howden dam sits at the south end of the reservoir connecting to Derwent reservoir. Construction started in 1901 and took over a decade. Due to the massive scope of the project, over 1000 workers lived in temporary village named “Tin Town” where they had dancing balls, schools, clothing shops, and a canteen for drinking. The dam is 36 metres tall and 330 metres across. You can’t cross through so visitors go around the reservoir on a trail, which can take 2+ hours to get from the west to the east tower. During WWII it served as part of the training site for the Dambusters RAF Squadron. The building style was similar to the German dams they later attacked to help preserve our freedom.

Cycling is the best way around Howden reservoir via Derwent reservoir. The 10 mile distance is quite tiring on foot but you can complete the circular route on a bike within 1-2 hours, depending on speed and breaks along the way. Be prepared for long windy roads going uphill and downhill. Most of the west side is a smooth surfaced road whereas the northern side has more incline and stone paths, and the east side has plenty of flat and decline dirt paths that can form muddy puddles after rain so take caution.

The Derwent and Howden bike ride is signposted and follows a straightforward route:

1. Start at Fairholmes car park where you can rent a bike from the Derwent Bike Hire shop there (photo ID and proof of address are required). Go for an e-bike or e-scooter if you want to take the work out of inclines. See prices here.
2. Follow the main road out of the car park towards Derwent dam west tower.
3. Keep going along west Derwent and Howden reservoir towards slippery stones on the far north side (~45 minutes).
4. Cross the main bridge at the top where you’ll be met by a National Trust ‘Derwent Estate’ sign in front of you. Shortly after you’ll see a public footpath sign to Derwent valley with a ‘cycle route’ sign pointing to the right.
5. Follow that path up to a gate and back around Coldside Oaks and the eastern reservoir until you reach the east tower of Derwent dam.
6. Go straight on and it will loop you back around to the right towards the main road, then turn left back to Fairholmes to return the bike.

The 10 mile walk around Derwent can take around 4 hours or even longer with periodic breaks. Running this intermediate route is a preferred option and can be done in ~2 hours.

For a short linear walk, drive up Howden reservoir and park up near King’s Tree on the northwest side where the road comes to a dead end (accessible on weekdays only). Go through the gate and continue walking 0.8 miles (1.3km) until you reach the stone bridge facing Howden moorlands. Have a picnic on the grass or take a dip in the water and then head back the way you came.

You can extend your walk into a circular one lasting 2.5 hours. When you reach the stone bridge at the top of Howden, keep following the path across the small bridge (above). When you get to the ‘Howden Moor’ sign in the distance, follow the walkers only path veering to the left. Follow the moors up Swine side staying to your right as you make your way back around that hill through the bridleway in the picture. Return to car parked near Kings Tree.

Howden reservoir is privately owned by Severn Trent and they don’t allow permission for swimming. However, nature provides you with one of the best wild swimming spots in the Peak District in the river Derwent running from the north. Slippery Stones is a small area with water deep enough to swim around. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery, making it a popular spot in the summer. The raised bank allows you to jump in, getting out not quite as easy so best avoided by dogs. Further down is a more shallow stream to take a dip.

Howden reservoir parking is very limited. There is a small area by Kings Tree on the northwest side but most of the space needs to be free for cars to turn around so keep to the edges and don’t stay too long.

Fairholmes is the main car park located just below Derwent dam and costs £3.50 for 2 hours and £6 all day. This is quite expensive but if you’re walking to Howden the all day ticket is worth it. There are free parking spaces further down the road but you may regret adding that extra distance after a sloped 10 mile walk. Though, 2 hours should suffice if you’re cycling around the reservoir. There’s a shop, visitor information board and a cafe with outside seating.

By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to get to Fairholmes Car Park, Derwent Lane, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ. For close access to the top of Howden, search for Kings Tree, Hope Valley. The road to this spot is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

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.