Derbyshire Walks

Derwent Reservoir Walk and Map

Derwent Reservoirs walk, Derbyshire
Derwent Reservoirs · Photo: Peter Barr

Derwent Reservoir is on the River Derwent in the Peak District and is 3.5 miles long. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists and attracts many nature lovers, walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are 3 Derwent Reservoir walks on the Derbyshire Walks App ranging from 3 miles to 5.75 miles in length.

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Walk information

Derwent Reservoirs Walk 1

Walk distance
3 miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

If you are unable to do one of our longer walks around Ladybower Reservoir then this walk is an ideal short walk to give you a bit of a leg stretch and a flavour of the surroundings.

The walk starts with a climb up through woodland and on up to Ashton Clough. From there its a slow downhill all the way through woodland. The final leg is an easy stroll along the main path that runs alongside Derwent Reservoir back to your starting point.

Whilst in the area take a look at the amazing Derwent Dam. The dam was the site that was used as the scene for the practice flights for the famous Dambusters raids during WWII.

For refreshments there is the Fairholmes car park kiosk in spring and summer. Alternatively there is the popular Snake Pass Inn a few miles up the Woodlands Valley at the foot of the A57 Snake Road.

Walk information

Derwent Reservoirs Walk 2

Walk distance
4½ miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This is a lovely walk that is both reasonably challenging in places but also very relaxing. The route involves a wander alongside Ladybower Reservoir where you will pass by the site of the old Derwent Village which was flooded when the dam was built during the Second World War.

This is followed by a short climb up through steep wooded cloughs and farmland before arriving high on the moors. Look out for birds and wildlife such as golden plovers and mountain hares as you walk.

At the top you will be rewarded with wonderful views over Derwent Valley and as far as the Dark Peak area. The final leg involves quite a steep decline followed by a relaxing stroll through woodland beside Derwent Reservoir.

For refreshments there is the Fairholmes car park kiosk in spring and summer. Alternatively there is the popular Snake Pass Inn a few miles up the Woodlands Valley at the foot of the A57 Snake Road.

Walk information

Derwent Reservoirs Walk 3

Walk distance
5¾ miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This is lovely, gentle walk on well-made paths and offers the most wonderful views for very little effort.

The circular route takes in one half of Ladybower Reservoir and passes both the site of the old Derwent Village which was flooded when the dam was built during the Second World War and the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam. The dam was the site that was used as the scene for the practice flights for the famous Dambusters raids during WWII.

This walk is ideal for all the family due to the easy to walk paths and no stiles or kissing gates.

For refreshments there is the Fairholmes car park kiosk in spring and summer. Alternatively there is the popular Snake Pass Inn a few miles up the Woodlands Valley at the foot of the A57 Snake Road.

These Derwent Reservoirs walks start at coordinates: 53.400852, -1.743204

Navigate the walks

Derbyshire Walks App

Follow the Derwent Reservoirs walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Derbyshire Walks app.

Derbyshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Derbyshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Derwent Reservoirs Walk 1, a 3 mile circular walk in Derbyshire