The Dambusters Challenge Walk - Peak Walking Adventures

Description

This is a majestic walk in winter light; 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.

Want to make a weekend of it? You can also book our ‘Mini’ Edale Skyline Walk on Sunday 4 February 2024 here >

Additional information

The Walk	This is a majestic walk in winter light; 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.

The Walk

This is a majestic walk in winter light; 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.

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 Visitor Centre and Toilets at 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) £5 per day. The ticket machine may only take coins.

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 Derwent Visitor Centre but no Wifi or mobile reception. There’s more information about the Derwent Visitor Centre here

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.

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.