Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire)

Reservoir Scenic reservoir in Derbyshire, popular with walkers

A man-made lake in Derbyshire, Derwent Reservoir draws walkers, cyclists and anglers to shoreline paths, and serves as access to wider Peak District trails and valley views.

Main image

Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire is a man-made reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley within the Peak District, built by damming the River Derwent. It is one of a chain of reservoirs in the valley that supply water and form a distinct upland valley landscape.

The shoreline and surrounding moorland are used for walking, birdwatching, fishing and sailing; established footpaths and cycling routes follow sections of the reservoir and connect to neighbouring reservoirs. The open valley and waters attract outdoor recreation year-round.

The reservoir was created by damming the River Derwent as part of regional water supply works and has since been integrated into landscape management for conservation and recreation. Control infrastructure and access tracks reflect its combined role for utility and public use.

The reservoir lies in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England, within the Upper Derwent Valley. It sits among upland moors and valley woodlands characteristic of the national park.

  • Reservoir system: Forms part of the Upper Derwent Valley reservoir system and is managed for water supply as well as recreation.
Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire)
53.4167, -1.7500

How to Get to Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire) #

Derwent Reservoir is in the Upper Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, accessible by road from the A57 (Snake Pass) or A623. The nearest larger towns are Sheffield (about 25-40 minutes by car) and Hope Valley. There are rural bus services in season; private car or local taxi is the most practical option.

Tips for Visiting Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire) #

  • Walk the western shoreline at dawn when anglers set up for trout fishing - the soft light makes the reservoir's steep sides glow.
  • If looking for quieter views, continue past the main dam toward the smaller coves; most visitors cluster near the car parks and picnic lawns.
  • Respect local signage: parts of the reservoir are managed for water supply and have restricted access.

Best Time to Visit Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire) #

Best late spring through early autumn for walking and outdoor activities; autumn colors are exceptional.

Summer
June-August · 10°C-22°C
Warm days and long daylight for walking and water activities; busiest season.
Autumn
September-November · 5°C-15°C
Brilliant foliage on surrounding hills and calmer visitor numbers; excellent for photography.
Winter
December-February · -5°C-8°C
Cold, often bleak; some paths can be icy or muddy.

Weather & Climate near Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire) #

Climate

Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1070 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

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