Ashopton - Cutthroat Bridge - Derwent Moors - Derwent Edge

Michael Astle

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From its very beginning, this walk is one of magnificent, unending views over the surrounding beauty of this part of the Peak District and reveals the unfolding history of man's influence in its development. For example, the parking area on the Ashopton Viaduct is close to the site of the village of Ashopton, drowned in 1935, together with Derwent Village, for the construction of Ladybower Reservoir.

From here the walk takes in the beauty of this reservoir, overlooked on the far side by Win and Lose Hill and the distant Kinder plateau. The Dark Peak is mainly gritstone with steep rocky edges and weird sandstone rock formations and in summer the moors are covered in bracken, purple heather and the white tufts of cotton-sedge grass. The moor is also home to grouse and you will pass numerous shooting butts on your way to the Edge.

The walk will take you towards the sinisterly named Cutthroat Bridge, named after a man found there with his throat cut in l635. You will also pass through the Ladybower Wood Nature Reserve, which has SSSI status. Here you will find one of the few remaining examples of upland sessile oakwood in the Peak District.

The gentle ascent will eventually bring you to Derwent Edge where the views over Ladybower, Kinder and the Edale Valley can only be described as truly breathtaking, probably some of the best views you will find in the Peak District.

Towards the end of the walk the path descends very steeply and care should be taken, especially in wet weather.

If you come by car, parking is along the Ashopton Viaduct over the reservoir and a space can usually be found. Just before you turn left onto the viaduct from the Bamford Road, there are toilets at Heatherdene, a Severn Trent Water facility. Close by is the Ladybower Inn, should you need refreshments after your walk.

Please note that parts of this walk is on restricted open access land where dogs may not be taken. For more information about this particular area and other restricted open access areas, please go to the governemnt's Countryside Access website.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District