Peak District from the North - August Edition
Views at sunset of the stunning Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Edge.
Beyond Ladybower - Derwent Reservoir, Howden & The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
August is when the Peak District comes alive. School holidays are in full swing, the heather begins to colour the moors and thousands of people make their annual pilgrimage to the National Park. If you're travelling from Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield or York, there's every chance your journey will take you over the high moors of South Yorkshire, through Midhopestones and past the Strines, before dropping into the Hope Valley. Either that or you’ll be coming in to Sheffield and then along the Hope Valley Line.
For many, Ladybower Reservoir marks the beginning of the Peak District. They slow down for a photograph, admire the views from the road, then continue towards the familiar honeypots of Edale, Castleton or Mam Tor.
This month, we'd encourage you to do the opposite.
Instead of driving past, stop.
Because beyond Ladybower lies one of the National Park's finest landscapes - a place of vast reservoirs, ancient woodland, rolling moorland and quiet walking routes that still manages to feel spacious, even at the height of summer.
More Than Just Ladybower
Ask most people about the Derwent Valley and they'll picture Ladybower's iconic plugholes or the sweeping road across the dam. Yet Ladybower is only the southern gateway to a much larger landscape.
Continue north and you'll discover Derwent Reservoir and Howden Reservoir, completed in the early years of the twentieth century to supply fresh drinking water to the growing cities of Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester. Their construction transformed the valley, flooding old farmland and creating the remarkable landscape we see today.
The area also played an important role during the Second World War. The broad expanse of Derwent Reservoir closely resembled Germany's Ruhr dams, making it the ideal training ground for RAF 617 Squadron before the famous Dambusters raid in 1943.
Today, thankfully, the valley is known for something rather more peaceful.
Ancient oak woodland clothes the lower slopes, red deer roam the surrounding hills, peregrine falcons patrol the skyline and, in late summer, the moors begin to glow with the first flush of purple heather.
The Walk
There are countless walks to choose from here, but one of the finest follows the quieter shores of Derwent and Howden Reservoirs, beginning near the old Upper Derwent Visitor Centre which is now sadly permanently closed but still offers some parking. It’s also the home of Peak Mountain Bikes and Derwent Bike Hire so if you don’t fancy walking the 10 miles round you can do it on a bicycle. It’s a lovely ride.
Wide, well-maintained tracks make for relaxed walking and cycling, gradually revealing ever-changing views across the water before leading into peaceful woodland where birdsong replaces traffic noise. The route follows the western shore towards Howden Dam, passing beneath towering conifers and alongside crystal-clear water that reflects the surrounding hills on calm summer mornings.
Unlike many Peak District walks in August, this one rarely feels congested. There's space to pause, enjoy the scenery and appreciate the sheer scale of the Upper Derwent Valley without feeling hurried along. You can also go looking for height by wandering up some of the many smaller hillside trails on foot.
It's a walk that rewards taking your time.
Where to Stay
If you're making a weekend of it, Heather Hill Farm Camping near Bamford provides an excellent base within easy reach of the reservoirs - although you will need a car or a bike to get to the recommended start point for the walk above - there are plenty of other walks within easy reach however.. Family-run and beautifully positioned, it's close enough to explore the reservoirs, Ladybower, Hope Valley and the surrounding moorland without needing to constantly move the car.
The Reward: The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
No Peak District weekend is complete without a proper pub, and The Yorkshire Bridge Inn has been welcoming walkers, cyclists and travellers for generations.
Set beside Ladybower Reservoir, it's perfectly placed for a well-earned pint or hearty meal after a day in the hills. The menu champions local produce, the beer is excellent and on a warm August evening the beer garden is one of the loveliest places in the Hope Valley to watch the light fade across the surrounding hills.
Why Visit the Upper Derwent Valley in August?
August is often the busiest month in the National Park, but the Upper Derwent Valley is remarkably well equipped to absorb visitors.
Spacious walking routes with plenty of room to spread out.
Easy access from Yorkshire and the north.
Beautiful reservoir scenery without tackling major summits.
Rich industrial and wartime history.
Ancient woodland offering welcome shade on hot days.
Excellent cafés, pubs and visitor facilities.
It's everything people love about the Peak District, just without the pressure of the busiest honeypots.
Look Beyond the Obvious
Some of the Peak District's best places aren't hidden at all.
They're simply overlooked.
Thousands of people drive alongside Ladybower every weekend on their way to somewhere else, never realising that one of England's finest walking landscapes is waiting just beyond the next bend.
This August, make the reservoirs your destination rather than your shortcut.
You may just discover a new favourite corner of the Peak District.
