Ladybower reservoir

The Ladybower Reservoir was the third and last of a series of reservoirs which were built in the Upper Derwent Valley. 6,310 million gallons of water are impounded behind the dam, making it by far the largest of the three. The Howden and Derwent Dams can each hold approximately 2,000 million gallons.

Sacrifice
Two villages, Derwent and Ashopton, had to be sacrificed to make way for Ladybower Reservoir. The remains of some of the buildings of Derwent village can sometimes be seen at the northern end of the reservoir during drought conditions.

Built between 1935 and 1943 by the Derwent Valley Water Board, Ladybower Reservoir was officially opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on 25th September, 1945. At the opening ceremony a memorial tablet was unveiled, a time capsule containing a coin and a newspaper was placed under the east overflow crest and then the gates were unlocked by the King. A great crowd turned out and the event marked the end of years of warfare as well as the incredible creation of the reservoir.

Dambusters
The reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley are most famous for the fact that they were used by 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, to practice their raids prior to their mission to the Ruhr Dams in Germany. Visitors can see video footage and memorabilia of their mission, as well as marvel at the feat of engineering, at the Dams and Dambusters Museum in the west tower of Derwent Dam.

Modern day attractions
Today the reservoirs attract many walkers and cyclists, as well as visitors who simply want to enjoy the stunning scenery in this area of the National Park often described as ‘the Peak District’s Lake District’. There are some splendid walks around Ladybower Reservoir and walkers of all abilities will be spoilt for choice!

In order to create a protective area around these important reservoirs much of the land is owned by Severn Trent Water. Nearly a third of this is woodland, the vast majority of which is open to walkers. Above the woodland belt are the sheep pastures, many of which are owned by Severn Trent and leased to farmers.

Gritstone Edges
Higher still are the gritstone edges and the distinctive moorland of the High Peak, which reward visitors with stunning views and superb photographic opportunities.