Upphat three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

An excellent walk, fairly direct, scenic and entirely on popular paths apart from a little pavement walking. The river path from Shatton to Leadmill Bridge is muddy and rough in places, with steps and steep sections, so may not suit everyone.

From the Fairholmes visitor centre, we cross the car park lane and take the path straight on to join Derwent Lane as it heads right below the impressive Derwent Dam. The road/track along Ladybower Reservoir is very popular with both cyclists and pedestrians, and has fine views. Eventually we reach the A57, which has a good pavement/cycle track on the south side, which continues over the viaduct right that takes us over a short branch of the reservoir. A short distance beyond we head left up the hill to the car park where the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail starts.

The trail rejoins the main road, with a few steps down, and there is a good pedestrian crossing to the Ladybower Dam, which we cross then follow the road left. Before too long we join the Thornhill Trail, a former tramway now a popular path/cycletrack that offers a very quick direct route into the Hope Valley, Near the bottom of the trail it is easy to miss the little shortcut past the farm building, but it is almost as easy to use the lane at the junction. The field path starts with a stile, and leads us under the railway to Hope Road, where we cross and use the bridge opposite, then take the signposted path left.

The riverside path is charming, but quite hard work in places where the steep banks force it uphill, There are a few slightly exposes sections along the high river banks, and a number of fields where the farmers have constrained it behind fences, creating muddy sections. In the final wood the path has been diverted a little further up the slope up steps, and the descent to the field gate is a little steep and may be slippery. At Leadmill Bridge we turn left and cross the Derwent, then take the path left that is constrained between fences and straighter than the right of way line, then another unmarked but well trodden path takes us across the field back to the road. Those in a hurry may choose to ignore these paths as the pavement is completely safe and slightly shorter. The pavement takes us under the railway, and beyond we turn right to reach the meeting point in the station car park.

An excellent walk, which I think deserves the full five stars - but not one to be underestimated - I wouldn't want to have to do the riverside path after dark.

As suggested but not uploaded by other reviewers until Tim beats me to it. This route smooths out the hills, offers more easy walking but it is longer and misses any services which can be accessed with a short diversion. I would also recommend considering the excellent permissive path from Fairholmes along the west side which makes the route slightly shorter.

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre / Fairholmes is busy even on this September Wednesday, it may have been the late summer weather but I guess it's busy most days based on the large car park, slick operation at the cafe and extensive picnic benches. For me this bustling location is remote and isolated, having walked in along a Slow Way my only way out is to walk another Slow Way. The bus shelter proves my point where the timetable offers no buses Monday to Saturday only a Sunday service.

We leave Fairholmes heading north this offers a view of the imposing stone Derwent dam which is even better if water is cascading over the rim. It's easy going along a metalled but almost traffic free road to the site of Derwent village. It's then a stone surfaced bridleway perfect for wheels.

Approaching the road there is an option to avoid some road by staying on the bridleway which also allows a visit to the Ladybower Inn although this path is rugged so less suited for wheels.

The next section of road can't be avoided but the loop into the Heatherdene car park is worthwhile for loos and a tap to top up water bottles. I was tempted to pass the Yorkshire Bridge Inn but that does add slightly to the climb back to the Thornhill Trail.

The walk over the dam is well used and the circular overspills are impressive if in use. The gentle descent starts along a quiet road then take the Thornhill Trail which uses the course of the temporary railway built to supply materials for the construction of the upper dams. It's also worth noting the offices of the Derwent Valley Water Board at the south end of the trail.

From here the Slow Way enters field paths which may not be wheel friendly. Still easy to follow around the field edge then under the railway to the road where a direct but unassisted crossing is required. More field paths alongside the river initially through open fields but later the well walked path is fenced and can be rather uneven with tree roots and a significant drop into the river.

There is an option to take the stepping stones and follow the roadside pavement into Hathersage but those stones were not for me. The route meets the road near the Leadmill Inn and uses a bridge then a pavement offers safe passage to the station which I chose rather than a detour into the fields.

A superb route. mostly flat and easy follow with outstanding views.

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