Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam loop from Derwent Overlook Car Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam loop from Derwent Overlook Car Park

Moderate

4.8

(87)

496

hikers

Derwent Dam – Derwent Dam loop from Derwent Overlook Car Park

04:26

15.3km

360m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

728 m

Derwent Dam

Highlight • Structure

Derwent Dam, is a stunning neo-Gothic construction that far transcends function alone. Built between 1902 and 1916, it is 340 m in length and 35 m high.

The dam is famously linked to WWII history; RAF’s 617 Squadron, the “Dambusters”, trained here using “bouncing bombs”.

Tip by

1.02 km

Derwent Dam

Highlight • Monument

This magnificent dam (built in 1902) is set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Upper Derwent Valley. Surrounded by majestic moorland, peaceful forests, rolling farmland and rugged hills, there are endless trails to explore.

During the Second World War, the reservoir was used by pilots to practise for the ‘Dam Busters’ raids, due to its similarity to the lakes and dams of Germany.

Tip by

2.26 km

Shireowlers South Plantation

Forest

4.93 km

Lost Lad Summit

Highlight • Summit

Lost Lad is a sub-peak of the nearby Back Tor. Standing at 1,699 feet (518 m) high, you are afforded spectacular views here. However, there is a darker side to this spot. According to folklore, a boy from the now-flooded village of Derwent became lost on the moors in heavy snow and died. His body was found the following spring by a shepherd who found the words ‘Lost Lad’ written on a rock. People have claimed to see the ghostly boy and his dog hiking in the spot to this day.

Tip by

6.77 km

Derwent Edge

Highlight • Trail

A Millstone Grit edge or escarpment. Derwent Edge is notable for the selection of Tors along the ridge. Back Tor to the north is the highest point with a trig point. Erosion was a big problem along here so the Peak District National Park installed a flagstone path along the main edge, sticking to this reduces the impact and keeps you out of the puddles.
Derwent is the first edge on the Nine Edges challenge route.

Tip by

8.18 km

Wheel Stones (Coach and Horses)

Highlight • Natural Monument

Derwent Edge has many distinctive gritstone tors that have been shaped by centuries of weathering. This particular formation, though, known as 'Wheel Stones' or 'Coach and Horses', is perhaps the most notable. When viewed from the A57 road, the tor resembles a coach and horses riding on the horizon, hence the name. From the rocks, you get utterly spellbinding views.

Tip by

8.39 km

Derwent Edge Rock Formations

Highlight • Natural

Derwent Edge is a Millstone Grit escarpment that overlooks the Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs. The edge affords breathtaking views over the reservoirs and surrounding moorland. There are also lots of unusual rock formations to admire, including the Wheelstones and Back Tor.

Tip by

9.08 km

Hurkling Stones

Highlight • Natural Monument

Hurkling Stones are a series of unique rock formations located in the Peak District. These intriguing stones are situated near the village of Longnor and are renowned for their distinctively shaped boulders, which appear to have been hurled or scattered across the landscape.

Tip by

9.59 km

View of Ladybower Reservoir from Whinstone Lee Tor

Highlight • Viewpoint

At the top of the final climb, and beginning of the final descent down to the pub. Here you'll find an amazing view point, ideal location to stop and grab a snap with your bike. Fab views down to the reservoir and across the spectacular landscape.

Tip by

13.6 km

Lee Wood

Forest

15.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.82 km

6.44 km

381 m

368 m

209 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.27 km

3.05 km

2.64 km

1.66 km

1.56 km

1.06 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (520 m)

Lowest point (210 m)

Weather

Saturday 10 October

12°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Comments

May 21, 2024,Derwent Edge & Reservoir

A beautiful circular starting with a stewp climb to derwent edge, you get views, some cool rocks to climb, a woodland path and get to walk alongside the reservoirs.
There is a visitor centre with a cafe and toilets near the dam if youd rather park there. An easy to follow path, you can even bag a trig just before …