Ladybower Reservoir
The largest reservoir in the Peak District, crossed by the Derwent Viaduct over the water, with two enormous funnel-shaped spillways and the story of the sunken villages as its highlights.
Ladybower Reservoir lies at the lowest point of the Upper Derwent Valley. Built between 1935 and 1945, it is the largest of three linked reservoirs. Its waters submerged the villages of Ashopton and Derwent. When water levels drop in dry seasons, you can still see the stone walls and road bases of Derwent village. Beside the dam, two funnel-shaped spillways about 24 m in diameter (nicknamed the 'plughole') are a popular photo spot, and when the reservoir is full during the rainy season, the water swirling into them is spectacular. The best viewpoints are the Ashopton Bridge on the A57 and the viaduct at the northern end of the lake. There are flat walking and cycling paths around the shore. You can hire bikes from the Fairholmes visitor centre to ride along the lake, or climb Win Hill on the eastern side for a view over the whole reservoir. It is open all day and free to enter. Roadside parking is tight at weekends, and swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Derwent Dam
- Castleton
- Peveril Castle
- Peak Cavern
- Speedwell Cavern
- Stanage Edge
- Winnats Pass
- Blue John Cavern