Hear a route

50,000 stories are waiting to be told. Press play on one.

Routes

Upper Derwent Valley Reservoir Walk, Bamford, Peak District

Upper Derwent Valley Reservoir Walk

90 languages
Tap to hear previews
Suitable forWalking
Dog friendly

Amazing stories as you explore.

Tap to hear previews

Three great reservoirs in one valley — Howden, Derwent and Ladybower are circled by forest roads giving miles of flat, traffic-free dog walking. The valley road is closed to cars on weekends and bank holidays, creating a perfect off-lead environment with constant water access.

For your dog

Off leadYes, there are stretches where your dog can run free
WaterReservoirs throughout (access points on shoreline); forest streams
LivestockNone expected
MudForest roads firm year-round
SuitsAll breeds — weekend road closure is brilliant for dogs
Best timeAll year — weekends best (road closed to cars)

Along the way

1
Derwent DamThe Dambuster pilots practised here in 1943 — the twin Gothic towers of Derwent Dam are an iconic sight. A memorial to the 617 Squadron stands nearby.

The route

Distance6.4 km
Off leadYes
Walking≈ 1 h 52
Climb↑ 264 m
RouteOut and back

A 6.4 km out-and-back dog walk from Bamford, with 264 m of climbing.

Elevation↑ 264 m in total

Before you go

StartBradfield, SheffieldOpen the start in Maps →
FinishBack where you started
ParkingFairholmes Visitor Centre car park, S33 0AX
By train or busBus from Bamford (seasonal weekend service)
UnderfootForest roads accessible
Stories told in
Share it with 5 people for free