The Howden Moors are on the east of Derwent Reservoir. Once on the top these moors are extensive areas of "flat" moorland with views, on a good day, in all directions. This is a quiet area of the Peak District and on many days the walker will not see anyone until they get to the popular area of Back Tor and Lost Lad.

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Leave Fairholms and follow the paths across the field infront of the Derwent Dam to the eastern corner. Ascend the steps here to reach the track that follows the eastern shore of Derwent reservoir. Follow this track for some 2km to reach the start of Abbey Brook. Just prior to a bridge there is a signposted route up the clough. Follow the track as it ascends to a gate and then onto the hillside. Just keep going until Sheepfold Clough is reached. Now cross the stream and follow the path along the direction of Abbey Brook. Just keep going as height is gained and the walker reaches the flat moorland that is Howden Moor. The path is well defined along Abbey Brook and does reach the significant path of Carteledge Stones Ridge. (7.0kms. 300m. 2hrs. 40min.)

The views on the moor are extensive. Over much of South Yorkshire, down towards Chatsworth and over to Kinder. the route now goes south down Carteledge Stones Ridge to Back Tor. Much of this path is made up of solid limestone flag stones making walking easy. Back Tor is a distinctive top with the white trip point on top of the rocks. Great views again here. Follow the path down to Lost Lad and continue along the footpath around green Stiches and over to the wall. Cross the wall and follow the distinctive footpath initially north west then arond to the south west, descending all the time. Finally reach the east side of Derwent Reservoir. Retrace your steps back to Fairholms down the track and then paths under the dam wall. (7.0kms. 50m. 2hrs. 10min.)

4th April 2023 A great sunny day after a series of days with rain. As usual there were few people out on Howden Moor itself - I had the place largely to myself. But more people had walked up from Fairholms or Derwent Edge to Back Tor. A new way down via the track to Jubilee Cottage abut turned right prior to their grounds.

8th January 2019 A cold clear day with near perfect blue skies. Fellow walkers alongside the reservoir and down from Back Tor but the main part of Abbey Brook and Howden Moors were empty. Cold.