Ladybower Reservoir

Ladybower in Derbyshire is a large reservoir situated in the Derwent Valley area of the Peak District. The Ladybower reservoir is the lowest of three reservoirs in the valley and measures just over 3 miles in length. Construction of the reservoir began in 1935 which took 8 years to complete and a further 2 years to fill which involved flooding the villages of Ashopton and Derwent and rehousing the inhabitants.

Ladybower Dam

There are 3 dams in the Derwent Valley which are famed for their role in the preparation of the Dam busters raids during the second world war. Due to their resemblance to the German dams the pilots of 617 Squadron used the upper Dams of the Derwent reservoir for training runs. Unlike the upper dams which are constructed of masonry, the Ladybower reservoir dam is an earth embankment with a clay core and is the key to generating hydroelectricity as well as supplying water to the drinking water system and Derby water companies and to control the flow of the rivers.

Ladybower Plugholes

Within the reservoir there are 2 overflows which measure 24 metres in diameter and are more commonly known as the plugholes. The Ladybower plugholes are an unusual feature for a reservoir and quite an impressive sight when letting out water as they begin by creating a whirlpool on the surface of the reservoir. Each of the Ladybower plugholes has its own valve house at the bottom of the dam through which the discharged water passes.

How to get to Ladybower & the visitor centre

Today the Ladybower reservoir and surrounding area is a hugely popular tourist attraction due to its beauty, history and location within the Peak District national park. In order to get directions to the Ladybower dam, the easiest thing to do is to use a postcode but since the reservoir is so large it covers more than one postcode area. Therefore the best idea is to use the postcode for the Ladybower visitor centre, also known as the Fairholmes visitor centre, which acts as a great starting point from which to explore the dams and Derwent valley and contains a wealth of information about the area.

Ladybower Visitor Centre Address: Fairholmes, Bamford in the Hope Valley

Postcode: S33 0AQ

Ladybower Visitor Centre Opening Times & Dates

November – March                        April – October

Mon-fri  10-3.30                           Mon-Fri  9.30-5

Sat-Sun 9.30-4.30                       Sat-Sun  9.30-5.30

Ladybower Activities

There are a number of different things to do and get involved in when visiting the Ladybower reservoir area including many outdoor pursuits. Activities around Ladybower include:

Ladybower Walk - There are a number of different routes you can take to enjoy walks around the Ladybower reservoir but for those people new to the area or who have not enjoyed the Ladybower Walk before it is a great opportunity to discover the beauty of the Ladybower reservoir and surrounding countryside. The Ladybower Walk starts and finishes at the Ladybower visitor centre in Fairholm and is about 6 miles in length. The terrain for the Ladybower Walk is clear and fairly easy going as it uses clearly marked tracks around the reservoir. The walk takes you up the Derwent Valley and across the Ashopton viaduct which provides a great vantage point to view the Ladybower Dam. After continuing along the other side of the reservoir you pass the remains of Derwent Village and gain impressive views of the Derwent Dam before returning to the Visitor Centre.

Ladybower Bike Rides – If you enjoy cycling in Derby you can follow the well ridden path of the Ladybower cycle route which again begins and ends at the Fairholmes visitor centre and takes you around the Derwent, Howden and Ladybower reservoir. The terrain is also fairly easy going with a few mud tracks along the way. The full distance of the Ladybower bike ride is about 25km but this can be cut short to about 15km via a shortcut at the Derwent Dam. Mountain bike hire and cycle renting is available from the Ladybower visitor centre and there are plenty of more advanced and testing routes for anyone wishing to challenge themselves whilst mountain biking round the Ladybower area.

Fishing at Ladybower – It is possible for anglers to enjoy fishing & angling at the Ladybower reservoir by visiting the Ladybower fisheries where permits can be bought for both bank fishing as well as boat fishing. As with all fishing in Derby There are a number of rules and regulations that must be adhered to when fishing the Ladybower reservoir such as a daily limit on the amount of fish caught as well as a minimum limit on the size of the fish allowed to be caught. 

Daily permits can be bought for around £12 or half day permits for around £8. Weekly and seasonal permits at the Ladybower fisheries are also available.

Ladybower Fisheries Address:

Priddock House,

Ashopton Road,

Bamford

Derbyshire

Ladybower Fisheries Postcode: S30 2AB

Boating on Ladybower Reservoir – Boating is also available on the Ladybower and is a great way to see the surrounding landscape and relax without the effort of walking or cycling. Boats are available for hire from Latelink Boating, as well as Viking afloat. Both are national companies and need to be booked in advance.

Ladybower pubs – For anyone wishing to enjoy the scenery at a static pace or to enjoy a cold drink at the end of a hard days walking or cycling there is the well known and established Ladybower Inn. The Ladybower Inn is situated right on the edge of the reservoir and as such enjoys stunning views across it. You can anjoy a relaxing drink, a bite to eat and even a bed for the night as the pub offers accommodation as well. All together it is the ideal location and a popular choice among pubs around the Ladybower.

Ladybower Inn Address:

Bamford

Hope Valley

Ladybower Inn Postcode: S33 0AX

Ladybower Inn Telephone number: 01433 651241

Ladybower Camping

For those wishing to enjoy the outdoors to the full there are a couple of campsites around the Ladybower reservoir which offer pitches for tents as well as caravans. Using camping sites at Ladybower reservoir is a great way to have a local base to explore the surrounding countryside. If you are planning to do some camping near Ladybower then you need to make sure you book well in advance as the campsites are very popular. Below are the contact details for Ladybower campsites:

Hardhurst Farm Campsite                            Laneside Caravan Park

Hope Valley                                                Hope

Derbys                                                      Hope Valley

Postcode: S33 6RB                                     Postcode: S33 6RR