Did you know that Severn Trent’s Upper Derwent Valley has a range of walking routes where visitors can explore the stunning surroundings.

The visitor site can be found nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, with the Derwent, Howden and Ladybower Reservoirs make up the Upper Derwent Valley. 

Hugely popular with all ages, it hosts an array of events and activities such as watersports, as well as being a haven for wildlife and perfect for twitchers looking for a bit of birdwatching.

But the other attraction that brings everyone in is the trails that take in the whole site and are perfect for a steady stroll, bracing walk or even a run, meaning there is something for everyone. 

The site also plays host to a number of half marathons and 10K events for runners to take part in throughout the year.

Upper Derwent Valley’s trails include the: 

• Ladybower Dam and the ‘Plugholes’ Trail – a quarter of a mile trail starting out from Heatherdene car park, great views are packed into this short walk featuring the famous ‘plugholes’, the overflows for the reservoir. If the reservoir is full from wet weather visitors may even see them in flow. 
   

• Derwent Dam Trial – a 1-mile short loop that has stunning views of the reservoir and the iconic dam made famous by the ‘Dambusters’. When the reservoir is at 100% capacity, visitors are lucky enough to see the incredible sight of the dam overflowing. 
   

• Ladybower and the Lost Villages Trail – a 5.5-mile route to discover the lost villages of Ladybower and see the awe-inspiring Derwent Dam on this scenic trail. When water levels drop visitors may be able to spot the remains of the village of Derwent on the bed of the reservoir.  
   

• Derwent, Howden and Slippery Stones Trail – a 10-mile walk, this trail is full of adventure and challenges, taking visitors past the Derwent and Howden reservoirs and through increasingly wild scenery and forests. It includes the beautiful Slippery Stones Bridge and has amazing viewpoints throughout. 

The Valley of the Dams and the Derwent, Howden and Slippery Stones Trail are accessible routes at Upper Derwent Valley. There are two new trails that follow the stories of the Valley; Dam builders to Dambusters trail booklet can be bought at Fairholmes Visitor Centre for just £4 and includes lots of historic pictures and stories to accompany your walk.

Donna Marshall, Visitor Engagement Manager at Severn Trent, said: “Upper Derwent Valley is the perfect location if you want to get out and about in nature, get some exercise in the great outdoors and take in some of the most amazing views. 

“With a number of trails there is something to suit everyone, making it the perfect place to visit whether you are a fitness fanatic or a family looking for a day out.”

As part of the water company’s ‘Days Out’ campaign this summer, people can win a £100 Virgin Experience Days Voucher by simply taking a photo of themselves enjoying the great outdoors. 

The competition comes as Severn Trent has launched new treasure maps, one for each region, which pinpoint a whole host of fun and low-cost attractions that families can pay a visit to over the holidays.

The treasure maps can be downloaded from the Severn Trent website for free and provide fun for youngsters, but also helps them enjoy the great outdoors, learn more about local nature, and provide them with some summer entertainment. 

All people must do is visit either a visitor site, or local green community space listed on their treasure map, take a photo of you enjoying a summer experience in nature, and then upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #STYourLocalTreasure and/or tag the Severn Trent official Instagram account @severntrent. Please be aware that accounts must be public in order for them to view an entry.

Closing date for the competition is 2nd September 2024 at midnight. 

For further information about Upper Derwent Valley, all of Severn Trent’s other visitor sites and activities that are taking place visit www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites   

Please note that in summer car parks can get extremely busy and may be full early, we ask you to park with care and not block access points for the community.  

To find the treasure maps and more details about the photography competition visit www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/best-of-summer