Derwent Reservoir — Attraction in High Peak

Derwent Dam is a very scenic place especially in the peak district. It consists of two reservoirs next to each other. The whole area is superb for a day out with family to go for a quick walk and for some lunch. When going around the whole reservoir, planning will be needed as the walk is over 15KM which can take upwards of 3 hours or more for amateur walkers.

There is a few car parks in the road leading up to the main area and near Derwent Dam. The main carpark does get full very easily meaning you have to use a further away one that are less busy.

There is no signal in the area so the car parks use a pay later system which makes it less of a hassle.

The small kiosk in the area next to the bike hire charges extortionate prices. 2 Cokes and 2 flapjacks will cost you upwards of £9. The toilets themselves are honestly really clean, the women can get a busy queue but men remain relatively quiet.

The actual walk itself is very quiet and there aren't a lot of people around especially at peak times, there's different walks you can do and bikes can get annoying considering the amount that there can be.

Overall it's a day trip to remember and definitely worth checking out. Definitely not for a stop by...

Parked car at Fairholmes services centre (their toilet facility are good. Sitting area is nice. Some models based on fossils found there are interesting. Ducks waddling all around make the stay more natural,if you will.😀A small tuckshop is fine if you want a lil snack before you hike. We had bad coffee there😀 a dry panini 😀 and a good jacket potato) The instructions and guide are detailed. We chose Derwent Dam Trail which was shortest one. Trail was easy and amid forest which was honestly refreshing, reminding me of all the Tolkien and Forbidden forest. You could hear water flowing which is such a soothing sound to 'city' ears😀🌺 Dam water level was low so all we could enjoy was history of Dambusters and the view. On way back to car park, the road had towering trees on both sides which was mesmerizing. Before driving off, we went down...into a i dunno maybe a pasture or a valley (stairs lead to this serene area). Lambs were grazing there. Water was flowing slowly. Could hear a sheep bleeting from far but not disturbing the air around you. We sat there for long enough to detox our brains and senses. It was beautiful. God speaks there. You can hear yourself too...in that silence...

Derwent Reservoir, nestled high in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a stunning escape into nature. This expansive body of water, surrounded by rolling hills and forests, provides a picturesque backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid walker exploring the scenic trails that encircle the reservoir, a keen cyclist enjoying the quiet country lanes, or simply seeking tranquility by the water's edge, Derwent has something to offer. The reservoir is also a popular spot for water sports, with opportunities for sailing and fishing. The surrounding landscape teems with wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The iconic Derwent Dam, with its impressive architecture and historical significance (famously used for practice runs by the Dambusters), adds another layer of interest to a visit. While facilities are relatively modest, the raw beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Derwent Reservoir provide a refreshing contrast to urban life, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer, rejuvenating break in the heart of the English...