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About Derwent Reservoir | About Ladybower Reservoir
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Starting out at Fairholmes visitor centre, we walked around the reservoir anti clockwise, starting out following the Kinder Loop, but heading back South as we got to Slippery Stones.
From the car park, we walked through a grassy field and up to the impressive Derwent Dam. Heading right, past the damn and up a series of steps, we then followed the track North. We carried on this same route past Howden Damn.
The terrain was flat and easy going as the Kinder Loop is also a bridle and cycle path. Caution should be taken as there will be cyclists coming from both directions.
Walking through an area called Cold Side, we noticed lots of vegetation including bilberry bushes. Being raised up at arms level right off the path, it makes easy picking at the right time of year. There are carefully managed ancient oak trees here too.
The 17th century, pack-horse bridge over the river at slippery stones will make the best place to stop for a break or picnic. The wide banks are grassy on either side and are shaded by beech, oak and sycamore trees. On a hot day, cooling your feet off in the river here would be lovely. This picturesque bridge was moved from the now flooded Derwent village to this position when Ladybower Dam was constructed. There is also a plunge pool here, so it gets a lot of visitors for wild swimming in warmer weather. Fortunately, at the weekends and bank holidays, access to slippery stones via vehicle is restricted.
Walking past Slippery Stones, the path turns into a road. This is where a community bus used to run to. The bus stop was called King’s Oak named after the tree which was ceremoniously planted there on 25th September 1945, by King George VI to mark the completion of The Upper Derwent reservoir.
On the return part of the circular route, you will start to see the cobbles of the old road, which was made for the temporary town of Birchinlee (named Tin Town by those living there). It was built to house the dam builders and their families. The population of this town eventually reached 900 inhabitants. As you walk through, you will see information signs about the place including the pub’s foundations and beer cellar still evident.
Returning to the visitor centre past the memorial for the second world war fighters, and one for the loyal dog, Tip. There are well used bird feeders, picnic benches, tourist information, toilets and a great little take away café. Fairholme visitor’s centre makes a great start and finish to a variety of walks. We shall certainly be exploring more from here in the future.
