Description
About Derwent Edge – A Peak District Classic!
Situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park overlooking the Upper Derwent Valley is Derwent Edge. A millstone grit escarpment (like so many in the Peak District), Derwent Edge has many interesting rocky features, formed by wind, rain and frost over many years – Wheel Stones, the Salt Cellar, White Tor & Back Tor to name a few. The edge itself has stunning views over the valley and overlooks Ladybower Reservoir.
Our route will begin at Fairholmes carpark which is located between Derwent Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir. Shortly before setting off, we’ll visit the spectacular and historic Derwent Dam before proceeding for a short distance along part of Ladybower Reservoir and up onto Derwent Edge. We’ll then proceed North along the edge, visiting some of the interesting rock features and admiring the views across the valley and moorland. We’ll also pass over the summit of Back Tor which is the highest point on Derwent Edge and has an Ordnance Survey Trig point located on the summit.
After visiting Back Tor we’ll start our descent, passing the summit of ‘Lost Lad’ and will continue back down to the Derwent Reservoir, Derwent Dam and Fairholmes carpark.
You’ll get to have an unforgettable and fun day out in one of the Peak District’s most beautiful locations.
Route Facts – Derwent Edge from Fairholmes
Route Name: Derwent Edge from Fairholmes
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7km)
Total Ascent: 1,729ft (527m)
Time to Complete: 5-7 hours.
Start point: Fairholmes Carpark. (OS grid ref SK 17237 89323), postcode S33 0AQ
Route Type: Circular
What to Expect / Previous Experience
Most of the walks I offer are suitable for beginners with no hillwalking experience, although you should be reasonably fit, be able to walk up to 9 miles for 5-7 hours on rough terrain and expect a physically tiring day in the hills. The Derwent Edge route is a hill and moorland route with a mixture of grassy paths and rough, rocky terrain and has over 500m of ascent (height gain).. If you’re already an active person who’s used to walking a few miles at the weekends or you have done hill-walking routes before without issue – or are pretty fit and healthy then you should be fine. Please let me/us know if there are any physical or medical conditions beforehand and we will proceed accordingly.
It is also worth remembering that the weather can also play a big factor in the day with wind, rain and poor visibility (ie. not many views). The temperature can be considerably colder higher up on the hills than it is down in the valley. Despite poor weather we will still have a fab fun day out. I can honestly say I’ve never not enjoyed a day in the hills, even when it’s been chucking it down with rain (it can even actually make it more fun sometimes).
What You Will Need to Bring
When you book with us, you will be sent a full kit list of what you will need to bring on the day. It is your responsibility to make sure you have these things or you won’t be able to go up the mountain. The weather can turn extremely quickly and it’s important that each member of the group is sufficiently prepared for this, as well as has enough food and water for themselves for the walk.
A typical kit list for a day hike would include:
• A backpack, large enough to fit everything in (around 30 litres ish).
• Lunch (eg sandwiches).
• Snacks to eat along the way for energy.
• Water (1.5 litre recommended, no less).
• Warm Hat & Gloves.
• Midlayer (eg. Fleece) & a spare.
• Waterproof Jacket.
• Suitable trousers for hiking in the rain (not jeans, joggers or similar).
• Waterproof overtrousers (to wear if needed over your hiking trousers).
• Suitable hiking boots for rough / mountainous terrain (not trainers).
• Warm jacket (in case we stop) – a down jacket or something similar.
• We recommend wearing Merino wool hiking socks for comfort.
• Sun protection (suncream & sunglasses).
• Any medication you may need.
Optional:
• Walking Poles (some people find they help, others don’t).
• Head Torch.
• Camera
Your Mountain Leader / Guide will carry a group First Aid kit, navigational equipent, maps and emergency group shelter.
About Me, Your Guide
Adrian Conchie – Mountain Leader
Extremely passionate about being outdoors, I offer guided walks in the Mountains and hills of the Lake District, Snowdonia, Peak District & Yorkshire Dales, as well as other low level hiking trails. I spend nearly every moment of my spare time either in the mountains, or hiking various trails in the UK. I like to set myself challenges and I am currently climbing all 446 mountains of England & Wales (currently I have done 362). I have also completed several other challenges, like completing all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, doing the 47 mile Windermere Way in 1 day, the 77 mile Cumbria Way in 2 days, the West Highland Way in 3 days and more!
I believe the outdoors provides an unbeatable way of keeping healthy, both physically & mentally. It is the perfect way to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life and being outdoors amongst nature is personally my ultimate therapy. I love being able to inspire others and to show them the benefits that the Outdoors can bring, which is one of the reasons I became a Mountain Leader.
Will you still go in bad weather?
In most cases, we will still go out and proceed with the route if there is rain, poor visibility and moderate wind. However, the safety of the group is my main priority and as I’m sure you can understand if I/your guide deems the weather conditions to be dangerous, (very strong winds / thunderstorms for example) – then I will make the decision to cancel that particular route and offer an alternative. I always like to have a plan B and in most areas, we can still have a fabulous, fun and memorable day out doing a lower-level route whereby the weather would be less of a concern.
Any Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the Derwent Edge guided walk, or any other route. I’d be happy to help – Click Here to get in touch.
Book Me Privately For a Guided Derwent Edge Walk (or any other Peak District Route)
(If the hike is for more people than what is offered in the booking form, please contact me first for a quote).
Online Booking Form:
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