Today a walk of about 10 miles starting at Ashopton viaduct up to Derwent Edge, with some fine views along the way. From Back Tor descending across grassy moorland and a final descent down through Walkers Clough to the banks of Derwent Reservoir. The Howden and Derwent Dams were opened in 1916 followed some years later by Ladybower, completed in 1945. Before the construction of Ladybower Reservoir the villages of Ashopton and Derwent were demolished.
31/05/03

To see a map of the area click here

 Close to Bamford is Ladybower Reservoir, Ashopton viaduct in the distance.

  Into open countryside up to Whinstone Lee Tor,
the word Tor means craggy or rocky hill or peak.

Looking back to Ladybower Reservoir and Ashopton viaduct,
the peak of Win Hill in the distance.

  Walking round the foot of the slopes of the Tor a view of Ladybower.

  Just before Derwent Edge a look back at Whinstone Lee Tor
and the rough farm track beneath the slopes.

  Wheel Stones, on this bleak moorland edge the rocks are open
to all kinds of weather, this clump of rocks
are shaped like tyres stacked on top of one another.

  View from White Tor to Dovestone Tor

  Looking along the path to Back Tor in the distance.

  Similar to the Wheel Stones these rocks are called Cakes of Bread.

Approaching Back Tor a look down the valley below.

From this view point on Back Tor,
and on a clear day.... it is possible to see the industrial town of Stocksbridge.

From Back Tor following the path to Lost Lad.

After Lost Lad, a walk across open moorland before Derwent Reservoir
comes into view. The descent through Walkers Clough is steep
down to the waters edge.

Derwent Reservoir, just around the bend in the distance is Howden Dam and Reservoir.

Heading towards Derwent dam,
there are wide paths all around the waters edge, a haven for cyclists.

Derwent Dam, at this point you can cross to the other side and visit
the information centre. There are refreshments available and cycle hire.

Leaving the Centre behind the twin pipes you can see carry water from
Howden and Derwent Reservoirs to be treated at nearby Bamford.

A view of Derwent Edge on the horizon.

Continuing along the path back to Ashopton viaduct,
some welcome shade from the hot afternoon sun.

At the viaduct a last look back.

© Copyright John Beres 2003-2008