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Derwent Reservoir, Back Tor & Derwent Edge loop from Fairholmes — Peak District National Park

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Hiking trails & Routes

Derwent Reservoir, Back Tor & Derwent Edge loop from Fairholmes — Peak District National Park

Moderate

4.9

(185)

933

hikers

Derwent Reservoir, Back Tor & Derwent Edge loop from Fairholmes — Peak District National Park

03:55

13.5km

340m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate 8.4-mile (13.5 km) hike around the Derwent Reservoir, climbing 1120 feet (341 metres) over approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. This varied route takes you along accessible reservoir paths before ascending through woods and moorland towards Derwent Edge. You will find flagstoned sections and distinctive gritstone tors, offering expansive views over the Peak District and the reservoirs below.

Your journey begins conveniently from the Fairholmes Visitor Centre, which provides easy access and facilities for hikers. Since this is a circular route, you will experience a wide range of scenery without needing to retrace your steps. Plan to wear sturdy shoes, as some moorland areas can be muddy or boggy, especially on the ascent to Derwent Edge.

Discover the historical significance of the Derwent Dam, famously used for practice runs by the 'Dam Busters' during WWII. As you reach Derwent Edge, marvel at the unique gritstone formations like the Wheel Stones and Back Tor, the highest point on the edge. You can also explore Lost Lad, a sub-peak with a cairn and local folklore.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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50 m

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre and Café

Highlight • Rest Area

This place is open every day, all year round. We stopped for an ice lolly on a beautiful sunny day and admired the reservoir and ducks.

Tip by

572 m

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

3.84 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

4.42 km

Back Tor Trig Point

Highlight • Summit

Standing at 1,765 feet (538 m) tall, Back Tor is the highest point on Derwent Edge. As such, you are afforded breathtaking views over the Peak District from this spot. There are some interesting rock formations to explore here, too.

Tip by

5.78 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

7.17 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

8.36 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

13.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.86 km

3.08 km

1.92 km

286 m

263 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.46 km

2.31 km

2.09 km

719 m

532 m

359 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (530 m)

Lowest point (210 m)

Weather

Tuesday 26 May

18°C

9°C

27 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Trail Reviews

Dominiek Van Dooren

April 24, 2022, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Salt cellar en Derwent Edge - Peak District (UK - Derbyshire)

We start at the Fairholmes visitor center for a not so easy moorland walk with iconic views. The route begins along the eastern shore of Ladybower and climbs through farmland to Derwent Edge. The descent via Lost Lad is very steep in places. More info about Derwent Edge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derwent_Edge

Translated by Google•

Bob Whale

April 10, 2024, Upper Derwent Visitor Centre-Derwent Dam, Walkers Clough, Lost Lad, Black Tor, Wheel Rocks, Derwent Edge, Ladybower Reservoir.

Walking from Upper Derwent visitor centre past Derwent Dam which is pretty spectacular when it’s raining as it overflows. Along the reservoir then right, climbing Walkers Clough and on and more ‘up’ to Lost Lads Cairn, Black Tor, Wheel Stones (not plastic), Derwent Edge and back down to Ladybower Reservoir and return to the Visitor Centre. 8 miles. It was wild up on the tops, lashings of horizontal rain propelled by storm force wind. And mud, a lot of peaty mud. At one point I did a passable impression of Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley) where I stepped on a puddle which was in fact a bottomless hole or at least thigh deep. Both boots full of water and my bottom half like Swamp Thing. 😎

Derwent Reservoir, Back Tor & Derwent Edge loop from Fairholmes — Peak District National Park

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre and Café

Derwent Dam

Lost Lad Summit

Back Tor Trig Point

Derwent Edge

Wheel Stones (Coach and Horses)

View of Ladybower Reservoir from Whinstone Lee Tor

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