Before you continue to read i must first say that this review is not just about Ladybower reservoir but also about Derwent and the area around them....
Thank you for your time....

Brief description of area.....

Ladybower reservoir...

Shaped in a Y configuration this is the lowest of the three dams.
The river Alsop runs into it from the west, The river Derwent from the south.
It was the biggest reservoir of its time with its widest part being approximately 3 miles wide.
Two villages were flooded to make this vast expanse of water, the village of Ashopton and Derwent. The buildings being demolished in Ashopton but not in Derwent, leaving the church spire visible in very dry seasons. (although I do believe the spire has now been dismantled for safety reasons, as people were trying to swim out to it and putting themselves in danger).
Ladybower began it life in 1935 and took eight years to construct and nearly two years to actually fill, building work slowed down in 1939 when WWII broke out.
When completed it was ceremoniously opened by King George VI on September 25th 1945.


Derwent Dam and reservoir...

This enormous reservoir covers approximately 170 acres and reaches up to 35 metres deep. A small island lies in the one and a half mile stretch of water.
The reservoir and its enormous dam were made famous by the Dam busters ,(or operation Chastise, with Barnes Wallis and his famous bouncing bomb), during World War II. The Dam being very similar to the German dams so the RAF used it to practice there low flying raids.
(The majority of the actual film was shot here)


Getting there.....

By Road:
Along the A57 Glossop to Sheffield road crosses Ladybower by the Ashopton viaduct. A minor road on the west side of this leads to Fairholmes. Approaching from Hope Valley, follow the A6013 north from Bamford to reach Ladybower and the A57.

By Bus:
The 273 bus from Sheffield to Castleton goes to Fairholmes Information Centre. The 273 Sheffield (or Chesterfield) to Castleton bus stops at the Ladybower Inn alongside Ladybower Reservoir.


Parking.....

There are plenty of off road parking areas along the road towards the main car park which lies near the foot of Derwent dam.

What's there....

In the main car park there is an information centre, small burger bar and toilets.
Mountain bikes can be hired from the information centre.
It is open from April until the end of October and weekends outside of these dates.

There is a lot of beautiful walks around the area and the scenery is somewhat breath-taking. With many footpaths and cycle routes it is worth taking a picnic hamper with you.

With many areas and plenty of benches scattered around there is always somewhere to rest and admire the view.

For the fit and active I recommend a walk to the top of Derwent Dam and a stroll around the mass of water. But to reach the top of the Dam you first have to clamber up a steep and pretty exhausting footpath, resting halfway up is advisable if just to look at the view.

Conclusion.....

A nice place to spend the day if the weather is good or not.
Take a sturdy pair of walking boots and a rucksack full of snacks and water....you'll enjoy the peace and quiet, giving you time alone with your thoughts.