| Level | Time | Length |
| Happy Hiker | 4hr 11mins | 9.12 miles |
Our second trek took us into the Peak District to Ladybower Reservoir. A ‘gentle’ 9-mile walk around Ladybower Reservoir and the surrounding woodland. This is a great walk to really escape anything and everything. It had recently snowed when we went, so when we started getting higher into the woods, it really felt like we had gone into a different country as the snow was still there.
We parked on the roadside of Snake Road by the south part of Ladybower and headed north walking along the east side of the reservoir. The January sun was on our side and shining out as we went around Ladybower. It’s a simple route around Ladybower, literally, follow the path, and you can’t really go wrong.
We managed to get some wonderful photos and even made pals with a friendly Robin. As you can see below, he allowed us to get very close for a photo.
The halfway point
After passing the dam we reached the main car park and toilets, a nice little spot for the halfway break. There was a little shop open when we went for refreshments.
Instead of heading back down the west side of Ladybower, we took a route into the woodlands, and I’m so glad we did! It added about an extra 2 hours to the walk, but it was so worth it with the amazing views.
After leaving the car park we went over the road, through the gate and followed the clear path into the woodland. Along the way there are plenty of different walking routes to follow, be sure to know which colour route you want to follow before you head through as the phone signal is poor to rely on.
We did feel like we were going the wrong way for a few miles as the route we were on zigzagged along the way. But, going wrong and getting lost is all part of the adventure! Going through fields, paths and woods, really being in the middle of nowhere was great.
A little about Ladybower Reservoir…
Over 2 million people visit Ladybower Reservoir each year, and if you’ve been yourself, you’ll know why! Magnificent woodland and high moors surround the reservoir. Situated in the Upper Derwent Valley at the heart of the Peak District, it’s definitely a beautiful place to add to your list of places to go, whether it’s walking, cycling, running or just relaxing and enjoying the countryside and nature, it can all be done here. Ladybower Reservoir was opened in 1945 when the demand for water had risen, meaning the demolition and flooding of properties and land. We now have somewhere beautiful come from such destruction.
If there are any beautiful places you have been to or know about, please let us know! We are always keeping an eye out for new places to take our adventures to. If you have any questions for Lily and me please don’t hesitate to get in touch!