Derwent Dam
A castle-like stone dam with two Gothic towers, where RAF Squadron 617 practised low-level bombing in WWII, and which spills over the top like a white waterfall after rain.
Derwent Dam was built between 1902 and 1916 across the southern end of Derwent Reservoir. It is about 340 m long and 35 m high, and stone Gothic towers stand at either end, so it looks like a castle. In 1943, No. 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force practised low-level 'bouncing bomb' attacks here before raiding the Möhne Dam. This history was later made into the film The Dam Busters. The west tower houses a 617 Squadron memorial museum, usually open at weekends. After consecutive rain in winter and spring, water flows over the top of the dam and cascades down, making it one of the Peak District's most photogenic sights. From the Fairholmes visitor centre, it is about a 15-minute walk along the lake to the grass below the dam. At weekends and on public holidays, the lakeside road has traffic restrictions, but you can take a shuttle bus. Admission is free.
Opening hours
Open all day; memorial hall usually open weekends and public holidays
Nearby sights
- Ladybower Reservoir
- Castleton
- Peveril Castle
- Peak Cavern
- Speedwell Cavern
- Blue John Cavern
- Winnats Pass
- Mam Tor