6 November, Rachel Walker

Meet at the last lay-by before the Fairholmes carpark for free parking at 10.00 for
a 10.15 start. SK 17370 88929. (Derwent Overlook car park- Satnav 53.39717,
-1.74054. postal address Car Park, Overlook, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ).
Directions: To get to the Derwent Edge Trailhead by car, turn off the A57 Snake
Pass road at Ladybower Reservoir following the brown signposts for Derwent
Valley Dams. There is paid parking at the visitor centre or, if we are lucky, a layby
with free car parking just before the main carpark.
This stunning Derwent Edge Walk takes you from the Ladybower Reservoir up
steep, wood-lined ravines to emerge on top of the moors. On a clear day expect
phenomenal views of the Derwent valley and its unique “gritstone (sandstone)
tors”.
From Fairholmes we go in the direction of Derwent Dam then shortly take the
steep path that climbs Hollins Clough. Crossing the heather moor we head
towards Lost Lad and Back Tor. Heading south along Derwent Edge we pass
several unusual rock features by the path with unusual names; Cakes of Bread,
Dovestone Tor, Salt Cellar and Wheel Stones. From Wheel Stones the path drops
off the edge and back towards Ladybower reservoir down the side of a plantation
and to a collection of old barns at Grindle Clough.
Distance 8 miles. Elevation 1,575 ft
Rachel Walker