In this beauty spot instalment, I focus on Derwent Reservoir and Dam.
The reservoir is one of three man-made lakes in the Upper Derwent Valley all of which are very picturesque and scenic.
Lying equidistant between Sheffield and Glossop the reservoir is 10 miles (16km) from both.
The lake is one and a half miles (2.4km) in length and along with its neighbours provides water for the cities of Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester as well as serving the needs of the majority of Derbyshire.
The River Derwent flows through the reservoir on its north to south journey after passing through Howden Reservoir and then onto Ladybower Reservoir.
Work began on the construction of the huge Derwent Dam in 1902 under the direction of the chief engineer, Edward Sandeman. He was later recognised for his skills when awarded the Telford Medal in 1918 for his part in the Derwent Valley project.
The reservoir was completed in November 1914 when filling then commenced with the first overflow down the dam occurring in January 1916.
During the construction of the dams a temporary town was created to house the thousand or so workers who worked on the project. The town was named Birchinlee and was commonly known as ‘Tin Town’.
Of course, the Derwent Reservoir is now famously linked to the daring exploits of 617 squadron and their second world war raid on the Ruhr Valley in May 1943. Due to the similarities of the Derwent and Rhur valleys the pilots practiced their bombing runs here.
Every year there is a flypast of a Lancaster Bomber which attracts many sightseers. There is also a commemorative plaque in the western tower of the dam (picture featured).
The dam is an impressive sight all year around but most spectacular when rainfall is high and the water overflows and cascades down the mighty granite walls.
There is now an ornate ironwork feature at the base of the dam which details the impressive statistics of the dam which are:
– 2,753 workers
– 1,242,145 Tonnes of stone
– Three acts of parliament
– Built 1902 to 1916
The woodland around the reservoir is owned mainly by Severn Trent Water and consists of various species of trees including Larch, Pine, Spruce, Sycamore, Beech and Oak. Lovely at all times of the year but particularly so in autumn.
There are many great walks in the area of the reservoir and there is a footpath and cycle way on the east side of the lake.
Parking is available at Fairholmes car park but tends to be busy during peak times.
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The footpath which runs in the direction of Walker’s Clough provides superb viewpoints of the reservoir as it ascends, in places steeply, to Derwent Edge eventually arriving at Back Tor via Lost Lad.
Derwent Dam at its spectacular best when in overflow.
Early morning reflections on Derwent Reservoir on a crisp and beautiful February day.
Derwent Reservoir very early morning in May. This photograph was taken at the start of the Nine Edges walk, a long distance challenge walk of 24 miles which follows the line of the various Gritstone Edges running from Derwent Edge in the north to Birchen Edge in the south.
The memorial to the “Dambusters” 617 squadron which is located in the western tower of the Derwent Dam.
The impressive water cascade down the dam at close quarters.
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