Ladybower Reservoir

Engineering and the ‘Plugholes’

Ladybower Reservoir is a major feat of 20th-century civil engineering, built between 1935 and 1943 to supply water to the East Midlands. Its most eye-catching feature is the pair of massive bellmouth spillways, commonly known as the ‘plugholes’. Each is around 24 metres in diameter and drops about 20 metres, designed to safely channel excess water from the reservoir through tunnels into the River Derwent. When the reservoir is full, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt, water spirals dramatically into these concrete funnels, creating a powerful vortex that draws visitors from across the region. These spillways are not just functional; they have become a focal point of local interest and a popular photo opportunity. The sight of water cascading into the plugholes is most impressive in the wetter months, though even when dry they remain an impressive example of industrial design. The dam itself is a clay-cored earth embankment, distinct from the masonry dams of the older Howden and Derwent reservoirs upstream.

History Beneath the Water

The creation of Ladybower Reservoir required the flooding of the villages of Derwent and Ashopton, a decision that transformed the landscape and displaced communities. Derwent Woodlands church and Derwent Hall once stood in what is now the reservoir’s basin, and during periods of exceptionally low water, the remains of Derwent village can sometimes be glimpsed. The story of these ‘drowned villages’ adds a poignant, almost ghostly layer to the area, inviting reflection on the trade-offs between progress and heritage. The reservoir also played a role in World War II, serving as a practice site for the famous Dambusters (617 Squadron), who tested their bouncing bomb techniques on the nearby Derwent Dam. This wartime legacy is woven into the identity of the Upper Derwent Valley, making the area not just a place of natural beauty but also of historical significance.

Exploring the Reservoir and Surrounds

Today, Ladybower Reservoir is a hub for outdoor recreation in the Peak District. A well-maintained network of paths circles the reservoir, offering walks of varying lengths and difficulty, from gentle strolls suitable for families to longer hikes up to Bamford Edge or Win Hill for panoramic views. The perimeter route is relatively flat and accessible, making it ideal for walkers, runners and those with pushchairs or mobility aids. Cycling is also popular, with traffic-free sections and bike hire available at Fairholmes Visitor Centre. Anglers come for fly fishing in the reservoir’s clear waters, while kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders enjoy the calm surface. Birdwatchers find rich pickings here too, with waterfowl on the reservoir and raptors soaring over the surrounding moorland.

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

The reservoir is open year-round and free to access, though parking at the main car parks, such as Fairholmes and Heatherdene, is chargeable. Fairholmes Visitor Centre, managed by the Peak District National Park Authority, provides toilets, a takeaway kiosk, information boards and a small gift shop, making it a convenient starting point for most visits. The area is busiest in spring and summer, when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its greenest, but autumn brings stunning colours and winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience. The plugholes are most dramatic after prolonged wet weather, so checking recent conditions can help plan a visit for the best spectacle. Whether you’re here for a short walk, a full circuit, or simply to stand by the dam and watch the water swirl into the plugholes, Ladybower Reservoir offers a powerful blend of nature, engineering and history.