Bamford

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Derwent Edge is the northerly of the Eastern edges; east from the Bleaklow plateau. Not large vertical cliffs as Stanage but interesting rock formations on the top of the predominantly grassy ridge. This walk, as with the others on the Eastern edges, are significant hillwalking expeditions. This is the heart of the wild Peak District where the conditions can be severe in wintery or windy conditions. This walk can start at various places but the description starts at the busy Fairholms Car Park.

Leave the car park and walk towards the Derwent Dam. This can be spectacular if it is overflowing. Follow the road that turns south down the eastern edge of Ladybower reservoir. Follow this for around 2km. Just past Ashes Farm there is a footpath signed to Moscar. The path first goes up beside the farm to reach a shelter. From here follow the path that goes through the gate and to the wood. Follow the path up the side as the wood until it opens out. Climb up to the wall and follow a short distance to another signpost. Again follow the direction of Moscar. There is a path that climbs to a large pile of stones and a large signpost. There are good views all the way up towards Ladybower Reservoir, and over to Kinder and Bleaklow. (4.0kms. 240m. 1hrs. 40min.)

From the pass, follow the ridge to Back Tor passing the various rock features along the edge. First climb uphill to get to Wheel Stones, also called Coach and Horses. Then it is onto White Tor and Dovestone Tor. Just before reaching Dovestone Tor check out the Salt Cellar which is lower down than the other rock features but argueably one of the more famous. Doverstone Tor is a significant rock feature with some excellent views south down the Derwent Valley. Continue along the ridge past Cakes of Bread, on the right, to reach the high point at Back Tor with it's trig point. To reach the trig point itself involves some scrambling. The is as far as this route travels along the ridge on this walk, but the ridge continues further north. On a clear days there are clear views of the way north. (3.0kms. 160m. 1hrs. 20min.)

From Back Tor take the NW path to Lost Lad. There is a large direction table at the summit and worth taking time to see all the sights of this area. From Lost lad follow the paths, often muddy, around the top of Green Stiches. At the path junction, tend left to follow the path south eventually down to Ladybower Reservoir. First the path passes a small wood on its the left, then south to skirt around Pike Low. The path follows the line of a wall and once through two gates descends steeply along a narrow track to reach the road around the reservoir. Follow this rosd back to Derwent Dam and then Fairholms car park. (6.5kms. 40m. 2hrs. 0min.)

7th July 2025 Cloudy start which improved all day; but as seems to be a pattern, windy on the top of the edge. It does not matter how many times I walk this route the rock formations along the way are spectacular. A great day out.

3rd February 2025 It was a springlike day in the valley, but the wind got up on Derwent Edge. The views walking up from the valley to the edge are spectacular. After lunch at Back Tor, walked to Lost Lad and followed the footpath south by Pike Low to get back to Ladybower. First long walk of the year - and well worth it.

18th March 2024 Again started at Fairholms, but all was quiet. Weather was good considering the rain and wind over winter - now is spring! Walked along the reservoir and then ascended to Derwent Edge. Walked past the numerous rock features to Back Tor. Descent via Lost Lad and through the moors to the edge and a descent to Derwent Reservoir. Great day hillwalking, especially the views on a fine sunny day.

22nd October 2020 Another start from Fairholms. walked down the track alongside Ladybower before it is possible to take a path that goes up over Derwent Moor and onto Lost Lad. It was a very windy day especially on the tops. Walked down the ridge past the main rock features until the path that crosses south of Wheel Stones. This was descended to Ladybower Reservoir and then back up the track. Great autumnal trees along the valley bottom.

5th January 2020 Rather than walk from Ladybower, walked from Fairholms. The latter is busy but away from the "honey pot" the crowds disserpate. Windy on the top but some great views south down the ridge.

29th August 2019 Looked a lovely end of summer day, which is was despite the wind. A nice walk along the edge, down to Ladybower and back to the viaduct. Midweek so not many people out giving the area, especially the northern parts, a more remote feeling. The are good views all around especially up the Derwent valley or over to Mam Tor.

5th April 2018 Picked a nice clear day to undertake this walk. Difficult to find parking on these busy days. Once on the ridge there is a good path all the way. Even had a Hercules fly path to celebrate 75 years of RAF. The route from Lost Lad to the valley could be difficult in bad weather, needing a compass. But on this clear day the choice of paths is clear. A detour to Fairholms and coffee is always a bonus in this part of the world.