Fairholmes, Howden and Derwent
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7.95 Miles
The walk starts and finishes at Fairholmes Car Park, you need to arrive early as the carpark fills up quickly.
Your trail takes you out of the carpark and heads up into the forestry, it climbs steeply up onto the moors, views at the top ore far reaching and well worth the effort of the climb. There is a stile at the top, but there is also a gate which opens.
The walk passes Alport Castles before starting to drop back down to the reservoir. The first dam you come across is the Howden Dam, the walk continues alongside the reservoir towards the Derwent Dam and back to the start.
There is a small cafe at fairholmes selling hot drinks food and ice creams.
Further Information
The Peak District National Park in England is home to a unique geological wonder: the Alport Castles. This isn't a medieval fortification, but rather the dramatic result of a massive landslide, thought to be the largest in the UK.
Over half a mile long, the landslide occurred centuries ago, leaving behind a landscape of gritstone mounds that tower over the Alport Valley. From a distance, these weathered crags bear an uncanny resemblance to castles, hence the name. The most prominent peak, known as "The Tower," is particularly striking, reminiscent of a full-scale motte and bailey castle.
The Alport Castles are a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area, Alport Dale, offers a sense of remote wilderness, accentuated by the rugged rock formations. Several trails lead up to the base of the castles, providing stunning views of the surrounding Peak District.
While not an actual castle, the Alport Castles stand as a testament to the power of nature and a reminder of the UK's fascinating geological history.
The Peak District Dams: Training Ground for the Dambusters
Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of the Peak District National Park lie the Derwent and Howden Dams. While they serve a vital role in supplying water to the region, these dams hold a special significance in British wartime history.
In the lead-up to the daring Dam Busters raid of 1943, RAF's 617 Squadron faced the challenge of training for a near-impossible mission: breaching heavily fortified dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley. The need was to find a location that closely resembled their targets.
Enter Derwent and Howden Dams. Built in the early 20th century, these dams shared remarkable similarities with their German counterparts. Their imposing structures, complete with castellated towers, mimicked the design of the Ruhr Valley dams. Additionally, the surrounding valleys offered a comparable flying experience to the target zones.
With this fortunate coincidence, the Derwent and Howden Dams became the Dambusters' training ground. Squadron pilots conducted numerous practice runs over the reservoirs, honing their low-level flying techniques crucial for the success of the mission.
Today, the Derwent Dam stands as a testament to the Dambusters' bravery. A commemorative plaque adorns the structure, a permanent reminder of the crucial role it played in preparing for one of the most audacious raids of World War II.
So, the next time you visit the Peak District and take in the beauty of dams, remember the weight of history they hold. These dams were more than just waterworks; they were a vital training ground for heroes who defied the odds.
What will I see on this walk?
