❄️Derwent Edge Walk 11 miles❄️Lead Hill❄️Derwent Edge❄️Derwent Dam❄️Ashopton❄️

🎉The New Year starts with a bang!🎉
It starts from Heatherdene Carpark and heads towards Ladybower Inn.
It then heads up Lead Hill and after a gradual climb, joins Derwent Edge with spectacular views all around us.

Derwent Edge is a millstone grit escarpment, the highest point is Back Tor, 538 metres above sea level at the trig point.
As we walk along Derwent Edge, the views are magnificent, there are rock formations which have been named suitably, such as 'Cakes of Bread' 'Salt Cellar' 'Wheel Stones' and 'Dove Stones', just to name a few.
Before our path descends Derwent Edge, we reach Back Tor, an Ethel and then Lost Lad a 2nd Ethel.
Our route gradually descends to the shores of the beautiful Ladybower Reservoir and follows the edge of it to Derwent Reservoir passing the majestic Derwent Dam, especially when it's overflowing..

We soon reach Ashopton which takes us to Ladybower Inn where we can stop to celebrate New Year's Day with a beer!

Ashopton was a small village submerged to create the Ladybower Reservoir in the 1940s, with its buildings demolished to allow the valley to flood for water supply to growing cities. Today, the remains of the village, including foundations and pathways, can sometimes be seen when water levels drop during dry periods, while the Ashopton Viaduct's arches stand as monuments above the water.

A fairly challenging walk in parts, with gradual ascents and some slippery descents, always take your time..

Expect some boggy muddy trails and rocky paths, but suitable for anyone who likes a bit of an adventure...

Catching up points and breaks as always along the way

Bring a picnic lunch and snacks to keep you going

Toilets at the start not far from the carpark

Walking boots are essential, as well as warm layers
a walking pole is always helpful

As always check the weather and dress accordingly, a spare layer and waterproofs are essential at this time of year

Our four-legged friends are always welcome 🐕🐕‍🦺🐕

Look forward to getting the New Year off to a challenging start with all our lovely DW Members 🦮👩‍🦯🚶‍♂️🐕👨‍🦯🚶🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️