Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir
4.5
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- Edward CLondon, United Kingdom15 contributionsA surprise at the dam busters traing dam in Derbyshire.Where is a moment in the film The Dambusters when in 1942/3 they have to take their heavy bombers across flat water towards a dam to test a pair of lights for height and a simple wooden sight for distance from the dam and the dam tower. That is Ladybower. Park on the high road and then walk down to the dam wall. An amazing sight.Visited May 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten March 23, 2023
- Adrian SBerkshire, United Kingdom167 contributionsLovely walk, great viewsGreat walking, although car parking a bit problematic, especially because the viaduct was closed for re-surfacing, which meant that there was no access to Fairholmes from our side. Managed though (thanks to the manager at Ladybower Inn for helping us sort out the car parking machine when our card got stuck)! You can park there for 3 hours for free, if you use the pub, worth noting. We were longer than that, but had a pint there on return anyway. Lovely woodland walks beside the reservoir, with plenty of ever-changing views and easy walking. Our dog loved it too.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2023
- AmySheffield, United Kingdom337 contributionsInteresting historyBeautiful views and interesting history from WW2. Always enjoy coming here for a walk short or long. Toilets and little cafe but can be very busy and hard to park sometimes. The dam is amazing to see.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2023
- Helen D7 contributionsMagnificent views but frustrated by lack of signpostingThe Hope Valley is a beautiful part of the world. I managed to park at the reservoir and walk a six mile loop up the hill overlooking the reservoir, across the moor and down again. The sign posting was HOPELESS and we (along with others) got horribly lost, fighting our way through bracken and loose stones on the way down. The views from the top were terrific but the signage all round the Bamford area was bad. We couldn't even find the visitor centre despite driving right round the reservoir.Visited August 2023Written August 7, 2023
- Cickany593 contributionsEnjoyable Walk by the PlugThis location offers a great mix of natural beauty and easy walking paths. It's peaceful, without too many crowds, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. The available paid parking failities nearby ensure convenience for visitors. The "plug" itself is particularly impressive and well-deserving of your time. If you're seeking a serene getaway with natural allure, this is a great option.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2023
- Anuruddha KLondon, United Kingdom118 contributionsNice reservoir worth a quick visitLady gate Reservoir is worth a visit on the Peak District. Nice looking water outflow. There are some free car parking areas on adjoining road. Some boat rides available. Ice cream can also there. However not worth sending more than 30 mins IMO.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 27, 2023
- Graham D15 contributionsSuperb cycling daysI've been to Lady Bower so many times, every other weekend for a long time. But I have to be totally honest, I didn't concentrate so much on the scenery despite the fact that I've been around all the dams. I was too preoccupied with riding around and concentrating to stay on my bike. I suppose you could say I saw a little bit on the road covered areas, but that's about it. Obviously, a very popular place to visit, with its history of Barnes Wallces bouncing bomb and the sunken village. A very popular place to walk and cycle, have a pic-nic. A visitors centre that covers most needs, cycle hire, information etc. I spent most of my free time going from Lady Bower, Carsington water and a place in Scotland called Kiroughtree. Cycling heaven, right there, if you like off road cycling.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten November 2, 2023
- Rhonda S3 contributionsAbsolutely brilliant and beautiful place to walkAbsolutely brilliant place for a good walk around the reservoir and always s excellent drink or meal at restaurant afterwards. Have been going for past 5 years. However, there are so many people with dogs who think it’s okay to let them run wild off their leads, scurrying through undergrowth, off into the forest, jumping up at other people (us!). Getting sick of these ignorant minorities who ruin it fir other people, who want to enjoy the beauty and peaceful surroundings and birdlife. There are signs that clearly state all dogs to be kept on leads, but this still isn’t enough for these selfish people. On his visit, the restaurant was closed for refurbishment (we knew about this and, as advised well in advance, there were alternative options available by way of the take away area at front of building. The toilets were available too, so everything good. For those whiners who think it’s expensive to park, or don’t like coffee out of a paper cup… I say…. “ cheerio then! …. hope you go somewhere else and find something else to moan about, and leave this brilliantly run place to those of us who can appreciate just how much goes into the running and organisation to keep it enjoyable and always a great place to visit”Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
822 reviews
Excellent
556
Very good
232
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31
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Mark L
Bromsgrove, UK351 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Visited for the first time having wanted to visit for a number of years. We arrived just after 1030 on a Saturday morning and just managed to get a parking space at the visitor centre as we needed the toilet. Parking is £3 for 2 hours or £5 for longer. If you haven’t got any cash you can pay by card at the shop. We followed the 2 hour walk around the reservoir which had some great views and is nothing too strenuous. Had a great time.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg S
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We attended this reservoir solely on the rod average of 7 fish posted, we had heard bad reviews from fishermen who had been here and had a bad experience previously but decided due to the report we would give it a try. Me and my fishing partner who have over thirty years experience and generally do very well where ever we go struggled to get even a follow. In total there was around 8 boats out and no one else caught except one guy who was fishing an imitation pellet directly outside the pens . He caught two stock fish . The fishery bailiff talked extensively to us in the morning for around 15 minutes and seemed very pleasant. But in the afternoon came on to the mooring at the end of the day and totally ignored us we were less than a yard away from him. We won't be fishing here again and whatever you do DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE ROD AVERAGE.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie P
United Kingdom1,780 contributions
Sep 2020
One of 3 dams along this stretch of valley which were used by the Dambusters to practice prior to their raid on the German Ruhr valley.
If you drive up the reservoir to Fairholms car park you can then walk or cycle around the reservoirs or just to Derwent dam head. There is a charge for parking. There's also toilets and a snack shop. Alternatively park in various places along the road for free.
During the week you can continue the journey up to the end of the road at King Tree and follow the trail beyond Howden reservoir to where the river joins, walk or cycle round the path or walk further onto the moors. This road is narrow, so be prepared to give way.
There are information boards dotted along the road explaining about the construction, Dambusters and drowned village.
If you drive up the reservoir to Fairholms car park you can then walk or cycle around the reservoirs or just to Derwent dam head. There is a charge for parking. There's also toilets and a snack shop. Alternatively park in various places along the road for free.
During the week you can continue the journey up to the end of the road at King Tree and follow the trail beyond Howden reservoir to where the river joins, walk or cycle round the path or walk further onto the moors. This road is narrow, so be prepared to give way.
There are information boards dotted along the road explaining about the construction, Dambusters and drowned village.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zottle
198 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Parked in the main car park right by the plug holes. It is an extremely busy car park so best to arrive early. It is £3 to park all day. From the car park it is a less than 10 min walk to the plug holes. As it was June, the water level was low so we didn’t see the water running down the plug holes which was a shame but they are still impressive (and a bit scary!)
We walked past both plug holes and then carried on the path going around the reservoir. We walked about 45 mins before deciding to turn back as there wasn’t much view really, mostly just bushes, and we had no idea how long the walk was as there was no indication given on any signs. The reservoir is huge and I think it would take a few hours to walk round it entirely which we didn’t feel the need to do this, especially with an 11 year old and two 14 year olds in tow who didn’t want to walk miles.
We walked past both plug holes and then carried on the path going around the reservoir. We walked about 45 mins before deciding to turn back as there wasn’t much view really, mostly just bushes, and we had no idea how long the walk was as there was no indication given on any signs. The reservoir is huge and I think it would take a few hours to walk round it entirely which we didn’t feel the need to do this, especially with an 11 year old and two 14 year olds in tow who didn’t want to walk miles.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rakaan A
Sheffield, UK228 contributions
May 2020
Shame the day we went it was absolutely teaming with people including those who clearing had no regard for social distancing, others smoking and people picnicing and having bbqs actually on the paths. There were cars parked all over the roads, all ticketed, so only park in the actual car park. Notwithstanding these issues, the reservoir is beauty and you have to appreciate the feat of engineering.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon W
Nottingham, UK1,739 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We drove round the edge of the Ladybower and parked up and walked through the woods to the edge of the lake to have a picnic. Very peaceful and beautiful. We then drove round to the Bridge End Car Park. We plan to return to walk a little on the path which looked level and easy walking as I have a few mobility issues. Great scenery and hopefully we will return soon.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew H
High Wycombe, UK79 contributions
Oct 2020
Parking was interesting. The attendants were doing an amazing job. On a Sunday or busy time it is advisable to arrive before 10 to get a space. If you have a small car there are opportunities for cheeky parking. We have walked around the reservoir and also from the car park to Alport Castle. There are walks for all abilities of an incredibly varied nature - all beautiful. Parking all day £5. Well worth it and you know the money goes back in to the park.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neldoo
Middlesbrough, UK187 contributions
Aug 2022
Lovely for a spot of fresh air.
Car park is very accessible (if a teeny bit expensive if you're visiting the other reservoir also (£3 regardless of length of stay)) and the toilets were exceptionally clean.
Walking from the car park to the dam is on a pavement alongside the road; however, we discovered there's also a wooded walk on the opposite side, so makes for a good, short round trip.
Lots of lovely views, even on a slightly grey day.
Car park is very accessible (if a teeny bit expensive if you're visiting the other reservoir also (£3 regardless of length of stay)) and the toilets were exceptionally clean.
Walking from the car park to the dam is on a pavement alongside the road; however, we discovered there's also a wooded walk on the opposite side, so makes for a good, short round trip.
Lots of lovely views, even on a slightly grey day.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda S
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Absolutely brilliant place for a good walk around the reservoir and always s excellent drink or meal at restaurant afterwards. Have been going for past 5 years.
However, there are so many people with dogs who think it’s okay to let them run wild off their leads, scurrying through undergrowth, off into the forest, jumping up at other people (us!). Getting sick of these ignorant minorities who ruin it fir other people, who want to enjoy the beauty and peaceful surroundings and birdlife.
There are signs that clearly state all dogs to be kept on leads, but this still isn’t enough for these selfish people.
On his visit, the restaurant was closed for refurbishment (we knew about this and, as advised well in advance, there were alternative options available by way of the take away area at front of building. The toilets were available too, so everything good.
For those whiners who think it’s expensive to park, or don’t like coffee out of a paper cup… I say….
“ cheerio then! …. hope you go somewhere else and find something else to moan about, and leave this brilliantly run place to those of us who can appreciate just how much goes into the running and organisation to keep it enjoyable and always a great place to visit”
However, there are so many people with dogs who think it’s okay to let them run wild off their leads, scurrying through undergrowth, off into the forest, jumping up at other people (us!). Getting sick of these ignorant minorities who ruin it fir other people, who want to enjoy the beauty and peaceful surroundings and birdlife.
There are signs that clearly state all dogs to be kept on leads, but this still isn’t enough for these selfish people.
On his visit, the restaurant was closed for refurbishment (we knew about this and, as advised well in advance, there were alternative options available by way of the take away area at front of building. The toilets were available too, so everything good.
For those whiners who think it’s expensive to park, or don’t like coffee out of a paper cup… I say….
“ cheerio then! …. hope you go somewhere else and find something else to moan about, and leave this brilliantly run place to those of us who can appreciate just how much goes into the running and organisation to keep it enjoyable and always a great place to visit”
Written January 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward C
London, UK15 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Where is a moment in the film The Dambusters when in 1942/3 they have to take their heavy bombers across flat water towards a dam to test a pair of lights for height and a simple wooden sight for distance from the dam and the dam tower. That is Ladybower. Park on the high road and then walk down to the dam wall. An amazing sight.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
1 contribution
Where is the nearest campsite to Ladybower Res?
GoingGuide
Nottingham, UK1,213 contributions
Campsites near to Ladybower Reservoir include Heatherhill Farm, Hardhurst Farm and Peak Park conservation centre. All are a located to the south of tge reservoir. I have used the first two mentioned and both have good clean washing facilities.
i love fishing even with my mobility problem, so i need a reasonably level platform
Connor Moss
Greater Manchester, UK65 contributions
Is there a carpark? Places to park nearby? Thanks
Felicity B
5 contributions
Yes a good car park.
David H
Macclesfield, UK16 contributions
Is there a height restriction?
Julie P
United Kingdom1,780 contributions
Can't remember. I don't think so, but if you're driving the road to Kingtrees it might be wise not to take anything too high or too big as its a narrow, windy, tree lined road with little turning space at the end.
Adventure59822697714
Paris, France
Hi, can I use my paddle board on the reservoir
ERIC B
Dodworth, UK2,148 contributions
I would have to say no, as there are numerous notices saying no swimming.
Peter
1 contribution
Are you sure about your facts regarding the Ladybower connection with the dam busters? I don’t think the damn and reservoir was completed until 1945, two years after the raid took place. I think they used the Derwent reservoir.
ERIC B
Dodworth, UK2,148 contributions
I’m not sure which review you’ve read, my last Ladybower review doesn’t mention the Dam busters, but my Derwent review does, I’m well aware of the history, and both Howden & Derwent were used, but for future reference, the construction of Lady Bower began in 1935 being completed in 1943, it was finally filled by 1945, so I’m pretty sure that it was overflown by the aircraft of Operation Chastice.
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Claim your listingLadybower Reservoir - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ladybower Reservoir
- Hotels near Ladybower Reservoir:
- (0.46 mi) The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
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- Restaurants near Ladybower Reservoir:
- (0.45 mi) The Yorkshire Bridge Inn
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- (2.16 mi) The Cheshire Cheese
- Attractions near Ladybower Reservoir:
- (0.19 mi) Ladybower Fisheries
- (1.49 mi) Stanage Edge
- (1.99 mi) Bike Garage
- (2.02 mi) Pure Outdoor Ltd.
- (2.15 mi) Mam Tor