The Yorkshire Bridge Inn guide to what to see and do in this lovely part of the Peak District - including Ladybower, Castleton, Hope, Bamford, Hathersage, Chatsworth, Bakewell and more..

The Upper Derwent valley reservoirs

Click images to enlarge Ashopton Bridge crosses Ladybower reservoir Derwent Dam can be seen in the distance

Area Guides: Upper Derwent Valley Full Description: The Derwent and Howden dams (built between 1901 and 1916) were made famous in 1943 when the RAF 617 Squadron used the dams to practise their famous Dambuster raid against the Ruhr dams in Germany. The movie "The Dambusters" was also filmed here. The lost village of Ashopton A road snakes through the wooded hillsides surrounding the reservoirs and can be driven or cycled to experience the majesty of the panoramic vistas, and the wealth of local flora and fauna. - Ladybower dam, which is very close by, was built between 1935 and 1945 and is famous not only for it's magnificent beauty and excellent fishing, but for the fact that the reservoir completely flooded the now lost village of Ashopton. - For years after the dams construction, the village church spire could be seen protruding from the water. The spire was destroyed in the 1970s to prevent people from swimming out to it, and risking the potentially lethal undertow. - When the waters of the reservoir are exceptionally low, the remains of the village can be seen on the floor of the reservoir. The Yorkshire Bridge Inn is located right next to the Ladybower dam wall. 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. 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. ROYAL CONNECTIONS... 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. 617 SQUADRON... 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. 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! UP TO THE GRITSTONE EDGES... 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. Higher still are the gritstone edges and the distinctive moorland of the High Peak, which reward visitors with stunning views and superb photographic opportunities. The Dambusters It is hard to believe that this beautiful part of the Peak District was once associated with one of the most dangerous and daring attacks of the Second World War. 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. Dr Barnes Wallis designed the ‘bouncing’ bombs, and the RAF practised their precise release at a height of 60ft and a speed of exactly 222mph. The rigorous training runs resulted in many furious locals who presumed the crews were just joy-riding. The bombers rattled roof tiles off farmhouses and were blamed for the reduction in egg and milk production! DAMS & DAMBUSTERS MUSEUM... Only a ten minute drive from The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, the Dams and Dambusters Museum is located in the west tower of Derwent Dam, situated just a short distance from Fairholmes Car Park and Visitor Centre, in the Upper Derwent Valley. Visitors to the Dams and Dambusters Museum can see video footage and memorabilia of their mission, as well as marvel at the feat of engineering in the construction of the three Dams. The museum boasts a wealth of information about the local area including the sacrificed villages of Ashopton and Derwent, the story of the village of Birchinlee which was known as ‘Tin Town’, and an amazing collection of local memorabilia and artefacts. In addition, as the Dams & Dambusters Museum is in such a spectacular location it is a great starting point from which to discover the majestic Derwent and Howden Reservoirs, quiet forests and wild open moorland of the Upper Derwent Valley. OPENING TIMES... This fascinating display is open Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year 10.00am – 4.00pm. The museum is free entry, although there is a collection box in the museum and donations are greatly appreciated. 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