What a perfect day for a walk in Derbyshire, I would consider this walk to be moderate in terms of difficulty, a little boggy and muddy underfoot, a fairly steep ascent that is well worth the spectacular views across Ladybower Reservoir.
Park near or at Derwent reservoir visitor centre (here you can use the clean toilets and buy a nice lump of cake)
- Head towards the Damn sticking to the road, don't head up up the steps.
- Continue along the road with the Damn to your left as the road swerves slightly right with a steady incline
- Continue past an old school house on your left until you reach the first public footpath on your left on a slope with a locked gate and a style to the right
- Climb over style and follow the path all the way to the top, taking the occasional rest to get your breath and prepare to have your breath taken again by the spectacular views
- Continue following the boggy path watching for grouse and other wild life (this is where you'll be pleased you brought that woolly hat)
- Continue until you see Howden Damn in the distance slightly to the left, around this point is a nice spot to take a rest and snaffle up your snap you lovingly prepared before setting off!
- Soon you will start to head down towards the woodland (be careful on the uneven and slippery path, as I found out after almost somersaulting half way down)
- Go through a gate with a broken tree just resting above and follow the path through the woods to the bottom
- Once you have reached the circular path around the damns turn left and follow the path all the way along to Derwent Damn (quite an amazing piece of engineering here and if the water is running over the top you're in for a real treat)
- There are two towers on the Damn, the tower opposite has a museum housing "the bouncing bomb" and all info regarding the construction of the damns, well worth a visit if you have time.
- Shortly after reaching the Damn there are some steps to the right heading down, there are information boards overlooking the Damn wall.
- Head across the field, across the ridge and back to the visitor centre
- Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a nice lump of cake
If you fancy a spot of lunch or a snack the Lady Bower inn has a varied menu, weather permitting you can sit outside and enjoy the hawks screeching above
If you need to pass through Sheffield on your way home "The brothers arms" in Heeley serves up Yorkshire tapas and some real ales, you can sit in the beer garden and enjoy the multicultural views across Sheffield
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