Micro Event: Freedom & Friends at Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir Day Walk

Join us for a really enjoyable, summer's day walk around the lovely Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Edge.  The reservoir is situated in the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park and boasts spectacular views and has a very interesting history.

Ladybower Reservoir covers two former villages, which were known as Ashopton and Derwent.  In the late 1800s Parliament passed an Act, which authorised the creation of the three reservoirs and that was to be the end of village life as the locals knew it.  The locals were re-housed nearby and bodies from the local cemetery were exhumed and re-settled in Bamford.  Today, in dry conditions, parts of Derwent can still be seen.

Derwent Dam was used by World War II Fighter Pilots in Lancaster Bombers as practise runs for the German Dambuster attacks.

Taking in views of the Dam, we head up hill and walk around the tree lined road and track which runs alongside Lady Bower Reservoir.

From the reservoir, we head in an easterly direction to the Summit known as “Lost Lad” it is approximately 538 metres height (named after the Legend of a Lost Shepherd boy, whose body was allegedly found by a passing Shepherd).   There is a spectacular viewpoint from there and the views are rich and varied.

From Lost Lad, we head along Derwent Edge.  The views of Ladybower reservoir and of the surrounding peaks are truly breath taking from up there.  As we walk along Derwent Edge, there are some very interesting grit stone tors, named locally as “Cakes of Bread”, “The Coach and Horses”  and the “ Salt Cellar”.

Much of the moorland around Derwent Edge has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its special vegetation and rare birds and animals such as Eurasian Golden Plover, Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel and Mountain Hare.  Derwent Edge also homes rare species of plants such as Common Cottongrass, Mountain Strawberry and Crowberry.

From Derwent Edge, we head down a footpath and take in breathe taking views of the reservoir to our left and Derwent Edge to our Right.  The footpath then passes alongside forest  land and eventually meets the a road, leading us back to the Visitor Centre. 

The approximate length of the route is 10 miles / 16km, and has some steep hills in parts and is classed as moderate.

We will be stopping for lunch (roughly half way and weather permitting).

Micro Events – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
• Please join events within around one hour’s travel from your home, rather than travelling longer distances to get there.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Public transport use to the start point is discouraged, as this is a non-essential journey. No car sharing to the start point unfortunately either.
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice.
• Each person can only attend one OutdoorLads micro event a week. (Leaders to leave at least three days between events they lead.)
• On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

Micro Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

By signing up to and attending an OutdoorLads micro event, you are confirming that you have read, understood and accept the content of this statement.

Please see our website for more information including an FAQ about our micro events.

Image Credits: All photos are provide by the event leader and permission for their re-use is granted to OutdoorLads.