Ladybower Reservoir Reservoir

Address: Ladybower Reservoir, Upper Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom

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.

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.

• 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.