Ladybower Reservoir
Enjoy a lovely waterside walk along the western shore of this large reservoir in the Peak District. The walk begins at the parking area at the northern end of Upper Ladybower reservoir and follows a good walking trail to Lower Ladybower Reservoir. The route passes through some pleasant woodland and has wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Highlights on the path include the views of the photogenic Derwent Valley Aqueduct and the Ashopton viaduct which carries the Snale Pass over the water. Other walking trails lead up into the surrounding hills where you can enjoy great views over the reservoir.
If you would like to continue your walk you could climb to the spectacular geological rock formations of Alport Castles. You could also pick up the Derwent Valley Heritage Way which runs past the southern end of the reservoir.
A short climb to the east of the reservoir you will find the exhilarating Bamford Edge. From here you can enjoy fabulous views back across the water.
At the southern end of the water you can park at the Heatherdene car park and enjoy a climb to Win Hill which has some of the best views over the reservoir. Around here you can also pick up the Thornhill Trail cycling and walking trail. It runs from the Ladybower Dam to Bamford station along a disused railway line.
Also of interest are the wonderful climbs to Derwent Edge and Stanage Edge while the adjacent Derwent Reservoir also has some nice waterside paths.
Postcode
S33 0AQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsLadybower Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ladybower Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ladybower Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ladybower Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
After your exercise head to the Ladybower Inn for refreshments. This traditional stone-built pub dates back to the 18th century when it served as a Coaching Inn. There's also a nice beer garden with views over the reservoir. The pub is located on The Snake Pass, at the eastern end of the lower Ladybower reservoir. Postcode is S33 0AX.
Just to the south of the reservoir you will find the pretty village of Bamford where there are more fine choices. The Angler's Rest is a delightful community-owned pub and cafe which includes facilities such as a post office, log burner, beer garden, large car park and secure bike racks. In the bar area there's a fine selection of real ales, while the cafe offers light meals, delicious cakes baked on the premises, as well as hot and cold drinks. The cafe also hosts a nice art gallery with a monthly exhibition of original work by local artists that not only brightens the walls but is also available to buy. It's a great place to go because you are not just enjoying a pint, a coffee or buying a stamp, you are also helping to sustain a community! You can easiliy find the pub on the Main Road in Bamford with a postcode of S33 0DY for your sat navs.
Also in the village you will find the Yorkshire Bridge Inn. This fine inn was awarded the Gold Award in the East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Excellence Award 2009. There's an excellent menu and they also provide good quality accommodation if you need to stay over. Outside there's a lovely beer garden to relax in when the weather is good. You can find the pub on Ashopton Road with a postcode of S33 0AZ.
Dog Walking
The reservoir is a great place for dog walking. It's probably best to keep your dog on the lead for most of the walk as there is some livestock around. There are areas though where you can let your dog run free though. The Ladybower Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Ladybower Dam, lower
Ladybower June 2006
Ashopton viaduct Carrying the A57 'Snake Pass'.
Bridge carrying the A6013 over Ladybower Taken from the pub at the top of the hill, looking west earlyish one morning.
Overflow Valvehouses at the base of Ladybower reservoir, Upper Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, England.
Ladybower Reservoir - Derwent Aqueduct
Wooded footpath to New Barn
Ladybower Reservoir west-draw off tower. Pic taken from the dam head wall path.