Derwent Edge

Walk 18: Scaling Derwent Edge

A long hike that rewards you with stunning views from the majestic Derwent Edge, which lies above the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park.

You start the walk with a sharp ascent up to Derwent Edge, hiking along the tops before dropping down to Derwent Reservoir. You pass the impressive Derwent Dam, have a quick refreshment stop at Fairholmes then continue past Lady Bower back to the start point.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 16.9 km (10.5 mi)
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Minimum Duration: 5 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 20236 85895
  • W3W: represent.marching.inhales
  • Elevation Gain: 430m (1411ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Paid parking is available at Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY.

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Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  1. Leave the main entrance of the Hetherdene Carpark, turn right and head along the A6013, crossing Lady Bower Reservoir. At the junction with the traffic lights, turn right, cross over the road and pass the Lady Bower pub.
  2. Immediately after the Lady Bower pub, take the track on the left which begins to ascend upwards into the Lady Bower wood.
  3. After about 50 meters the track continues and also bends left. Take the track as it bends left and continues ascending around the back of the Lady Bower pub.
  4. Continue on the path, passing through a gate.
  5. Shortly after the gate, head right up the steep hillside, climbing until reaching the top.
  6. Continue on the path until reaching Whinstone Lee Tor.
  7. Continue along the same path for 3 miles, hugging the edge. You will pass some magnificent rock formations along the way, including the Hurkling Stones, the Wheel Stones, Dovestone Tor and Back Tor.
  8. The path eventually begins to drop down to the Derwent Reservoir.
  9. Upon reaching the shore of the Derwent Reservoir, turn left and head towards Derwent Dam. For refreshments, head down in front of the dam and towards Fairholmes.
  10. Once fuelled, head back along the road and continue alongside Lady Bower Reservoir until meeting Snake Road.
  11. Turn left and head back to the traffic lights from near the beginning of the walk.
  12. Retrace your steps back to Hetherdene Carpark.
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Reservoir
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Edge
  • Derwent Edge

Created: 25/01/19. Updated: 28/01/26

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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