Ladybower Reservoir
Reservoir Large Peak District reservoir famous for drowned villages
Ladybower Reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley supplies water and offers extensive walking and cycling routes; visitors use the damside paths for picnics, walks and reservoir views.
Ladybower Reservoir is a large man-made water supply reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, England, created in the mid-20th century as part of the Derwent complex. It is one of three major reservoirs in the valley and supplies drinking water to the surrounding region.
The site is notable for its pair of circular concrete overflow shafts - the twin bell-mouth spillways - which are visible at high water and draw interest from photographers and engineers. The reservoir and surrounding moorland provide several kilometres of waymarked walking and cycling routes, and the shoreline is used for sailing and other non-motorised water sports.
Construction work on the reservoir and its dam took place in the 20th century; completion of the impoundment led to the flooding of small settlements in the valley. The reservoir was developed as part of regional water-supply and flood-control works and has since been managed for both utilities and recreation.
The reservoir sits within the Peak District National Park in the Upper Derwent Valley. Nearby settlements include villages in the Hope Valley and the town of Bamford; the area is upland moorland with forestry and gritstone edges surrounding the lake.
- Bell-mouth spillways: Concrete bell-mouth spillways on the reservoir's eastern face act as visible overflow funnels and are a distinctive engineering feature.
- Access and trails: Walks around the rim and along the shore form part of long-distance routes through the Upper Derwent Valley with several car parks providing access.
How to Get to Ladybower Reservoir #
Ladybower Reservoir is in the Hope Valley area of the Peak District. It is accessible by car from Sheffield (about 30-45 minutes) and by public buses from nearby towns; parking is available at designated car parks.
Tips for Visiting Ladybower Reservoir #
- Visit the Derwent Dam lookout early to see the reservoir in morning light.
- Drive the A57 from Sheffield or the Ashopton turnoffs for the classic dam views.
- If planning to walk the Upper Derwent Valley, check for cycling events which can close sections of road on weekends.
Best Time to Visit Ladybower Reservoir #
Summer for access and activities; autumn for dramatic skies and quieter paths.
Weather & Climate near Ladybower Reservoir #
Ladybower Reservoir'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 (1098 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.