Dambusters Winter Challenge Walk - Peak Walking Adventures

Description

Dambusters Winter Challenge Walk

The Route: This is a majestic walk in winter light. On a fine day there are far reaching views of the surrounding reservoirs of Derwent, Howden and Ladybower, and the Bleaklow and Kinder Scout plateaus. Our walk starts at Fairholmes Visitor Centre Car Park by the Derwent Dam – the Dam was made famous when the RAF’s 617 Squadron flew practice sorties here with their ‘bouncing bombs’, in preparation their 1943 raid on the dams of the German Ruhr. A wooded path along Derwent Reservoir takes us to Abbey Brook, a fine, winding clough that leads us up to the summits of Back Tor and Lost Lad, both fine view points. Progress along Derwent Edge is a delight with easy paths and lots of ‘rock landmarks’, including The Cakes of Bread and Salt Cellar! After Whinstone Lee Tor we descend to Ladybower Reservoir and cross to the other side of the valley to ascend the lovely Crook Hill before walking over high pastures to Lockerbrook Farm and descending through woodland back to Fairholmes.

Make a Weekend of It?

If you are booking this walk on Saturday 30 January 2027, you can also book our Alport Castles – Winter Warmer walk on Sunday 31 January 2027. It starts from the same location. More Information here>

Want to ask a question about this walk? Please Contact Us >

Additional information

The Walk	This is a majestic walk in winter light; on a fine day there are far reaching views of the surrounding reservoirs of Derwent, Howden and Ladybower, and the Bleaklow and Kinder Scout plateaus. Our walk leaves from Fairholmes Visitor Centre Car Park by the Derwent Dam – the Dam was made famous when the RAF’s 617 Squadron flew practice sorties here with their ‘bouncing bombs’, in preparation their epic 1943 raid on the dams of the German Ruhr. A wooded path along Derwent Reservoir takes us to Abbey Brook, a fine, winding clough that leads us up to the summits of Back Tor and the Lost Lad, both fine view points. Progress along Derwent Edge is a delight with easy paths and lots of 'rock landmarks', including The Cakes of Bread and Salt Cellar! After Whinstone Lee Tor we descend to Ladybower Reservoir and cross to the other side of the valley to ascend the lovely Crook Hill before walking over high pastures to Lockerbrook Farm and descending through woodland back to Fairholmes.
Walk Date	Saturday 30 January 2027

The Walk

This is a majestic walk in winter light; on a fine day there are far reaching views of the surrounding reservoirs of Derwent, Howden and Ladybower, and the Bleaklow and Kinder Scout plateaus. Our walk leaves from Fairholmes Visitor Centre Car Park by the Derwent Dam – the Dam was made famous when the RAF’s 617 Squadron flew practice sorties here with their ‘bouncing bombs’, in preparation their epic 1943 raid on the dams of the German Ruhr. A wooded path along Derwent Reservoir takes us to Abbey Brook, a fine, winding clough that leads us up to the summits of Back Tor and the Lost Lad, both fine view points. Progress along Derwent Edge is a delight with easy paths and lots of 'rock landmarks', including The Cakes of Bread and Salt Cellar! After Whinstone Lee Tor we descend to Ladybower Reservoir and cross to the other side of the valley to ascend the lovely Crook Hill before walking over high pastures to Lockerbrook Farm and descending through woodland back to Fairholmes.

Walk Date

Saturday 30 January 2027

What’s included?

Included

Qualified Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader with Outdoor First Aid Qualifications.
Guiding throughout the day with briefing advice and support to ensure your safety.
Narrative on local points of interest, wildlife, geology, history and culture.
Optional photography of your day which can be shared with you.
The option of a free, return lift from a station or bus stop to the start of your walk to encourage sustainable travel. We can only arrange this if we have spare space in our vehicle and the pick-up point is reasonably close to your walk. Ask us when you book.

Not Included:

Parking or transport costs associated with your walk.
Essential walking kit or food.
Navigation equipment and maps for Navigation Courses (we will help if we have spares).

What to Bring

Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >

Meeting and Parking

We meet in front of the Toilets at the former Fairholmes Visitor Centre Car Park, Ladybower Reservoir, S33 0AQ.

Directions

The nearest posts code is S33 0AQ, but that covers a wide area, so a sat nav might not take you to the correct place.
Off the A57 if you are heading towards Glossop, turn right up the road that heads north up the west side of Ladybower Reservoir.
It is signposted to ‘Upper Derwent Valley’, or ‘Derwent Dams’.
Drive up the road for just over two miles with the reservoir on your right, then look out for the turn on the right that leads into the main Fairholmes car park.
The car park is a pay & display and costs (currently) £7 per day. The ticket machine takes cards but worth bringing coins just in case.

Please see a Google Map showing the location of the Derwent Visitor Centre Car Park here >.

Coming by Bus or Train
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re arriving reasonably nearby we’ll give you a free lift.

Facilities

There is a takeaway café, toilets and parking at the former Derwent Visitor Centre but no Wifi or mobile reception.

Walk Difficulty

This is a Harder Walk. Here is our walk difficulty guide >

FAQs

We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >

Accommodation

Click here to see a Google map of accommodation near this walks start.

Our Recommendations

The George at Hathersage: This legendary local is over 800 years old and even features in the literary classic, Jane Eyre! The George is a place you can call home 7 days a week. From pub favourites to modern dishes inspired by world travels, there’s something for every taste here, and Bamford Edge, Stanage Edge, Edale, Mam Tor and The Great Ridge are all great walking destinations nearby. The George >.

Ask us for a discount code before you book.

Bike & Boot at Hope: 10 – 20% Discount*. We partner with Bike & Boot Peak District >, an award winning leisure hotel in the Hope Valley that’s ideal for walkers! There’s a restaurant / breakfast, free hot drinks for guests, free cake at 4pm and free films three times a day. Also, a drying room for gear and free on-site parking too. To receive your Bike and Boot Discount enter the promo code PEAKWALKING when you book on line: Bike & Boot> .

(*Discount not available on Bank Holiday Weekends).

Other Options

We have also created a page of Peak District accommodation we recommend here >

Respect, Protect and Enjoy!

We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…

Respect:

Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
Leave gates and property as you find them
Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
Be nice, say hello, share the space
Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect:

Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
Always keep dogs under control and in sight
Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance

Enjoy:

Check your route and local conditions
Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Want to know more?

Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.