One day last year, on a rare occasion when the sun was out, the wife and I took ourselves to Derwent reservoir. It seemed the perfect opportunity to give my (relatively) new camera a whirl.
Derwent reservoir is a man-made reservoir in the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, a short drive from Sheffield and Barnsley, and was used by 617 Squadron to practice the low-level flying manoeuvres used in the "Dambusters" raids of WWII. On the other side of the viaduct that divides Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs (see photo, above) lays the ruins of the village of Derwent, which was flooded to create Ladybower - and which can apparently still be seen when the reservoir is low.
There is a visitors centre at the northern end, providing ample (charged for) parking and offering a great base for exploration around both Derwent and Howden reservoirs, as it is sited more-or-less between the two, and there are plenty of free parking spots around Derwent res itself. Bicycles can be hired from the visitors centre if you fancy being a bit more energetic.
Our route took us clockwise from the visitors centre, down to the viaduct that divides Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs, then back round. This is somewhere in the region of 5.5- 6 miles, but its pretty easy going- fairy flat with proper paths- and there are bench seats along the way if you fancy a rest or a bite to eat.
There are plenty of photo opportunities, and all-in-all its a great place to go if you fancy a nice steady walk or bike ride in the country.
Upper Derwent Visitors Centre
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