Derwent Edge Walk
Overview Countrywalker Grading
Moderate walk across the moorlands overlooking the two reservoirs and the valley.
Moderate (height 525M, 1720ft).
Footpaths Time taken
Walking on tracks and moorland 4 - 4.5 hours (including breaks).
Starting/ End Positions Distance
Round walk from Fairholmes car park at southern end of Derwent Reservoir (SK172893). 8 miles (12.8 Kilometres).


Map Guide: OS Landranger 110 or Outdoor Leisure 1.

Start from Fairholmes car park (GR172893). Walk down the land up towards the derwent dam. Follow the path around until you see steps on the left up through trees (GR174896). Climb these and then turn left following the path past the dam.

Climb a stile and follow the path along the sides of the reservoir for about 3/4 mile. You will notice that the path starts to turn to the left slightly here and there's a signpost to your right (GR174908). Follow this to a path through trees and upwards towards a wall.

Follow the path up this steep hill to a signpost 'Strines via Bradfield Gate Head'. Keep ahead here across grassland to a stile and signpost (GR176912). Climb over and go straight ahead across moorland for about 3/4 mile. The path starts to rise here and you should start to climb to the Cairn of Lost Lad (GR193913). Follow the flagstone Path to the summit of Back Tor (538M) (GR198909). This is a good place to rest as you can hide from most winds somewhere in the rocks.

Continue the walk by heading in a southerly direction. Follow the well used path past various named outcrops of rocks for about 1.5 miles. You will come to a crossroad's of paths (GR204880). Cross over this and head downhill to the large outcrop named Whinstone Lee Tor (GR198876). Here you can see up the valley of Ladybower Reservoir.

Now head back up the hill to the crossroad's of paths and turn left. The path descends to a wall ahead (GR198885) from which you must turn right and follow this along until you see a footpath sign. Turn left and head down the field towards the plantation. Follow this path down through two gates. Now follow the path keeping the wall on your left side to another gate.

Follow the path over the stream and over the next stile. Climb over and follow the path around the barn and through the gate around the other side (GR190885). The path drops sharply across a field to a stile. Once over this turn right and follow the track for 1/2 mile until it turns into a proper narrow road (GR186883).

Now follow this road for just over 1.5 miles back to the car park. The road runs parallel with the reservoir on your left here.

Walk first completed: April 1999
Walk last updated: November 2001


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