Hiking Around

Leave only footprints, take only pictures and memories!

Derwent Edge from the Fairholmes - Route.

Distance: 8.25 miles / 13.25 kilometers

Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Grade: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL01 - The Peak District, Dark Peak Area

Start Point: Fairholmes Visitors Centre car park.

Grid Reference: SK 173 893

Nearest Post Code: S33 0AQ

Serial Distance Grid Reference Description
01 00.00 miles SK 173 893 From Fairholmes Visitor Centre follow the signs for Derwent Dam, after following the path in front of the dam's outflow and its impressive gothic towers.
02 00.10 miles SK 172 895 Follow the path as it passes the front of the dam wall to the eastern tower. Ascend the steps to the right of the tower
03 00.15 miles SK 174 898 Join the bridleway that follows the eastern bank of the Derwent Reservoir.
04 01.75 miles SK 171 919 Continue along the path passing Hollin Clough and Walker's Clough. At Abbey Tip plantation the path splits. Take the right hand path through the forest.
05 02.00 miles SK 172 919 Follow the path sign posted with a National Trust sign, where the path bears right. If you have arrived at a bridge crossing Abbey Brook, then retrace your steps for about 250 yards, to the path which is now on your left.
06 02.25 miles SK 177 917 The wide track climbs steadily up to Little Howden Moor, and bears south south east, continue along the path to a stile.
07 02.50 miles SK 178 915 After crossing the stile, the path turns right to head east.
08 03.25 miles SK 193 912 Continue in the easterly direction with the wide well defined path and a short ascent to the summit of Lost Lad Hillend where there is a cairn and a toposcope memorial.
09 03.75 miles SK 197 910 From the summit of Lost Lad follow the obvious path to Back Tor. From Back Tor the path bears southerly to a weather sculptured boulder called Salt Cellar passing Cakes of Bread a novel rock formation and the Dove Stone at Dovestone Tor.
10 04.75 miles SK 196 892 From the Salt Cellar the track bears south east passing White Tor, and another weather crafted rock formation called the Wheel Stones.
11 05.50 miles SK 202 884 From the Wheel Stones continue heading south east, along the well defined path down hill to where the path joins a path near some grouse butts.
12 05.75 miles SK 204 880 At the path junction turn right to head west, continue along the path where it joins up with a bridleway at the top of Grainfoot Clough.
13 06.00 miles SK 198 883 From the top of Grainfoot Clough the bridleway follows the northern edge of a forestry plantation until it joins the road that follows the eastern bank of Ladybower Reservoir.
14 07.00 miles SK 187 884 At the junction with the road, turn right, then follow the road for approximately 1 mile back to the start.
15 08.25 miles SK 173 893 Fairholmes Visitor Centre for a cuppa.