Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk
South Yorkshire
Ladybower Reservoir is the largest of the three Derwent reservoirs and this dog friendly lap traces its perimeter through mixed woodland, open shoreline and across its two arched viaducts. Starting from Fairholmes, the route heads south on quiet lanes past the dam wall, crosses the Ashopton Viaduct, then doubles back along forest tracks on the eastern shore with glimpses of the water between the pines. It's a long day out but gradients are gentle, the surface is mostly tracks and quiet tarmac, and navigation is straightforward.
Dogs can largely be off lead on the forest tracks, though a lead is needed for the road sections around the viaducts and where the route passes the dam walls. There are no livestock concerns on the main loop, which makes it a relaxed day out with a confident dog. Fairholmes has toilets, a cafe and a bike hire centre, so it's an easy basecamp; midweek is far more peaceful as weekends can see queues for parking. Bring water for your dog, as reservoir water is not suitable for drinking.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 16.0 km (9.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 6 hr
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Forest
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafe and visitor centre at Fairholmes; picnic tables and a small kiosk on site.
- Parking
- Large pay and display car park at Fairholmes (several hundred spaces); often full by mid morning on sunny weekends with overflow parking on the verges around Ashopton.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk dog friendly?
Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk is rated 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better options in the Peak District for a day out with your dog. The route is long but the gradients are gentle, the surfaces are mostly tracks and quiet tarmac, and there are no livestock concerns on the main loop, which all adds up to a relaxed experience for you and your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk?
Dogs can largely be off lead on the forest tracks that make up much of the route, which is great news for energetic dogs who like to explore. You will need to put them back on the lead for the road sections around the viaducts and when passing the dam walls, but these are relatively short stretches in an otherwise open walk.
What should I know before visiting Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk with my dog?
The main practical point is to bring your own water for your dog, as the reservoir water is not suitable for drinking. It is also worth arriving early if you are visiting on a sunny weekend, as the Fairholmes car park can fill by mid morning, with overflow parking spilling onto the verges around Ashopton — a midweek visit will be noticeably quieter. On the plus side, Fairholmes has toilets, a cafe and picnic tables, so it makes a solid basecamp for the day.
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Fairholmes Visitor Centre, Upper Derwent Valley, Peak District National Park
53.4003, -1.7413
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