Upper Derwent Valley
OS Landranger Map 110
Map Ref. SK 173894
Location, parking and toilet facilities
Fairholmes visitor centre is situated half way along the upper Derwent Valley, off the A57, and between the Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs.
The car park surface is tarmac and there are five designated bays for disabled people opposite the visitor centre. There is also a further space at the far end of the car park, overlooking the Ladybower Reservoir. Pay & Display, free parking for blue badge holders.
The visitor centre houses toilets, one of which is accessible for people with disabilities.
The car park surface is tarmac and there are five designated bays for disabled people opposite the visitor centre. There is also a further space at the far end of the car park, overlooking the Ladybower Reservoir. Pay & Display, free parking for blue badge holders.
The visitor centre houses toilets, one of which is accessible for people with disabilities.
Cycle hire is also available, some of which are suitable for people with disabilities. For further information click here or call Derwent Cycle Hire on 01433 651261.
Refreshments and Picnic Area
The refreshment kiosk has a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks available, including sausage rolls, bacon baps, burgers, sandwiches etc.
There are several picnic tables adjacent to the car park.
There are several picnic tables adjacent to the car park.
The Track
The track is the bridleway which runs along the east side of the Derwent and Howden reservoirs - distance 3 miles.
On leaving the car park, take the road to the right of the roundabout which leads down towards the Derwent dam (pictured opposite). This is a minor road (access only) with smooth tarmac surface. In front of the dam the road curves round to the right and then climbs up quite sharply for approximately 200 yards to the start of the bridleway. The pictute below is taken from the top of the incline, looking back down the slope towards the dam. The tarmac path on the right of the picture is the start of the bridleway.
The tarmac path has a steady incline for ¾ of a mile. At this point there is a gate across the track - plenty wide enough for a wheelchair or electric scooter.
The wide surface then changes to a hard compacted surface, gravely in parts but relatively flat.
The wide surface then changes to a hard compacted surface, gravely in parts but relatively flat.
2½ miles down the track is a gate (Pic.1) at the bottom of a stony incline (Pic.2). The cyclist at the top of Pic 2 may give some indication as to the surface and incline.
Pic.1
Pic.2
The effort to get to the top of the incline to the top of the Howden dam is well worthwhile.
The track continues for a further ½ a mile before turning sharp left with a much sharper incline. The track then gets very much stonier.
I did not proceed any further due to the incline and surface of the track.
