Ladybower Reservoir - Peak District 4 Aug 2012.

Ladybower Reservoir
Peak District
Distance 24km Climb 450m
Saturday 4th August 2012

We had a few drops of rain at the campsite before we set off.  So most of us had waterproofs on when we started walking from the carpark.  The carpark was the second carpark on the Western side of the Ladybower Reservoir.  Carsy knew this route really well as he tries to go round this route at least once a month.  Carsy led us up the path that started at the South side of the carpark.  

We travelled West through the woods which was a steady climb.  At the top we moved North West along the side of the wood.  

North West of the wood

Although very misty it was warm and the threat of rain although still present, held back.  By now those of us who had waterproof coats on had taken them off due to it being very warm. 

 Looking West we could not see Kinder Scout due to the mist.

Kinder Scout is across there some where?

Continuing North West we moved across the tops to just past Alport Castles.

Follow the path

Alport Castles

Alport Castles

Carsey then led us North East towards Ditch Clough Plantation.  As you go through the gate into the wood the path goes steep down hill. 

At the bottom of the hill we turned (left) North West by the side of a stream, where it is level.  

As we move through the wood the path gradually becomes a gentle climb.  After leaving the wood we moved a little further along the path before having a short stop where some of the lads had lunch. 

Moving further up, the views looking back along the way we had come were brilliant.  For the next 500 – 600m the path starts climbing steeply.  There is a slight zig zag as the path climbs in a North East direction.  On the climb the path has a number of shooting butts on both sides of the path.  

Looking back

Near the top looking North East, I could see a rock feature.  I am sure I saw this last year when I was doing my Pennine Way. 

I think I saw this feature last year from the Pennine Way?

We then started down hill along what looked like a fairly new path that looked like it had been dug out of the peat.  The early mist had started to clear and the sky was clearing and the sun was coming out.  This took us to a couple of shooting cabins, where we stopped for lunch.  There was the usual walkers log book and comforts for anyone who may find themselves in need of shelter should the weather turn nasty.

Approaching the shooting cabins

Leaving the hut Carsy directed us North East along a narrow path for the next 1 ½ km.  

At the top we took the steep path down to a stream.  Once over the stream there was a sharp quick climb up to the path.  

Looking back across the stream from the path

On the path we turned South East, the path now was level for most of the way with a couple of little ups and downs.  The path initially followed the stream before the stream joined the reservoir.  

Has anyone seen my boot

The path turned South and East and followed the Eastern side of the reservoir.

I had taken plenty of pictures and the lads had had plenty of stops while waiting for me.  One of the stops had been at the Howden reservoir, there is a museum at the other side dedicated to the Dam Busters, who practiced on the reservoir.  

Howden Reservoir

It was the next reservoir that they had used.  As we moved down the track we passed an information notice.  The people of two villages had been moved so that the valley could be flooded for the water authorities.  

The route was pleasant, the weather had been good to us  It had taken us 7 hours to walk 24km (15 miles) with approx 450m of climb, from the start to the pick up point at the Ladybower Inn.  A really good days walking with a good set of lads.

More to follow

Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

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