Ladybower Reservoir

Ladybower reservoir is one of the most loved beauty spots in the Peak District National Park, situated in the Hope Valley region. The Y-shaped reservoir was built between 1935 and 1943, joining onto Derwent and Howden reservoir to the north in Upper Derwent Valley. Collectively, the triology make up the largest body of water in the peak park, officially opened by King George VI. It’s owned by Severn Trent to serve water to the surrounding area from Sheffield to Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester in the East Midlands. Ladybower stretches almost 12 miles around the reservoir and reaches a maximum depth of 41 metres. When full, it holds up to 6.1 billion gallons (27.8 million m³) of water. Featured in our list of best Peak District reservoirs, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.

At the far north side of Ladybower reservoir, Derwent dam steals the show with its historic connection to the Dambusters during WW2 and magnificent castle-like structure. Ladybower dam sits furthest to the south and comes with a completely unique identity. The dam stands tall at nearly 41 metres (135ft) and around ~320 metres (1,050 feet) in length. Rather than stone masonry, it features an earth embankment covered in grass, which has to be cut regularly along a 45 degree slope by ‘driverless’ machines.

Unlike the other connecting dams to the north, you can cross Ladybower dam while going around the reservoir. The viewpoint along it overlooks beautiful Bamford countryside and River Derwent. To the southeast you’ll see Bamford Edge gritstone protruding from the hillside. Over the other side, you can access Win Hill after a steep ascend.

Two Ladybower plug holes, one on each corner of the dam, have gained fame over the years for their interesting water cascade as they drain excess to prevent flooding. Water overflow from Howden and Derwent make their way into Ladybower where it then travels down a 20-meter drop into tunnels that lead to the River Derwent downstream. The drinking water is treated at Bamford water treatment works nearby.

You can take 3 colour coded trails displayed on the information board at Fairholmes car park next to Derwent Dam. Walking around Ladybower can take 4.5 hours without breaks so it’s generally best to cycle if you want to complete the full 12 miles (this includes a main road, Snake Road, so not recommended for kids). Think of the trail as an upside down T, you can do a circular walk of the vertical wing of the reservoir or horizontal wing to the south.

There are many exciting hikes that cover parts of Ladybower reservoir, which is best appreciated from elevated views.

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.

Heatherdene car park is the go-to on the south side of the reservoir with free parking along Snake Road and Ashopton Road. Fairholmes is the main car park near Derwent Dam and costs £3.50 for 2 hours and £6 all day. Derwent Overlook is a parking bay on the same road and cheaper but there’s very limited space so it’s usually full at 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. There are more parking bays on heading south towards Snake Road which link onto the trail around the reservoir but can take up to 35 minutes to walk to Fairholmes/Derwent Dam.

Pay & Display parking

• Heatherdene car park
• Fairholmes car park
• Derwent Overpass
• Bridge End
• Haggside
• Hurst Clough

Free parking

• Ashopton Road
• Snake Road

By car: Use your GPS to get to Heatherdene car par park, A6013, Hope Valley S33 0BY for the fisheries, dam, plug holes and bamford edge 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.

Yorkshire Bridge Inn is situated just south of Ladybower Dam, where you can enjoy food and drink throughout the day. Ladybower Inn is another choice on the far east side and closer for the lost villages trail.

You can walk around the entire reservoir in 4.5 to 5.5 hours, covering 12 miles. For a long walk or cycle, we recommend Derwent and Howden instead for better views, more intimate and secluded trails, and interesting natural diversity all the way to Howden Moors.

It’s somewhat suitable for wheelchairs, except a few areas. The footpath along the northwest side includes steps so you’ll need to follow the pavement along the main road. The southwest side has some uneven stoney paths and the pavement on Snake Road is too narrow for wheelchairs. The trails do have some elevation but not too steep.