The Route

The walk leaves Hetherdene Car Park and follows the road along the edge of Ladybower Reservoir.  A track ascends steeply onto Derwent Edge with the reservoir stretching out far below.  From here it’s a fabulous cruise along Derwent Edge, passing the Wheelstones, Salt Cellar and Bread Cakes. These extraordinary rocks and tors were carved and sculpted by wind and ice.  We reach the cairn at Back Tor (538m/ 1765 ft), before crossing to Lost Lad – a standalone summit with northern views over the wilderness of Derwent Moors and the Bleaklow Plateau. We descend  to a track above Abbey Brook, a gorgeous steep sided valley that winds its way down to the edge of Derwent Reservoir.  The Reservoir track takes us to Derwent Dam, famously associated with the RAF’s 617 Dambuster Squadron which flew practice sorties here, in preparation for their epic 1943 raid on the dams of the German Ruhr.    

A toilet break and refreshment stop at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre keeps us going before we ascend steeply onto a wooded path on the other side of the valley – we take a route on high pastures to the summit of Crook Hill.  This small but mighty peak is a fabulous central viewpoint where we can survey our day’s achievements before descending through meadows to Ashopton Bridge on the A57.  From here it’s an easy road walk back to our starting point.

Key Features

• Wonderful views, history and variety
• Good Access. The walk starts close to the A57 and Bamford Railway station – both connecting Manchester and Sheffield.
• There are plenty of Escape Routes and this route can easily be shortened if members of the party are struggling.  A great option for mixed experience teams who might need to split during the walk.   
• A sociable challenge. There are options for bacon butties at a local pub before the start, refreshments and toilets en route and a and a pub meal at the end.  (Route distance and timings may need `to be adjusted to accommodate all these options).