Derwent and Howden Reservoirs and Margery Hill Circular

From Fairholmes, the route passes Derwent Dam and follows the valley north beside Derwent and Howden reservoirs. The approach is a useful part of the walk rather than dead mileage: woodland, water and the two impressive dams gradually give way to the open moors. At Slippery Stones Bridge, a relocated 17th-century packhorse bridge, the route leaves the easy valley tracks. The bridge was moved when the old Derwent village was flooded for the Ladybower reservoir scheme.

After the bridge, Cranberry Clough leads into the climb. The path becomes rougher and less obvious around small disused quarries and Cut Gate, then the views open as you gain height. Bull Stones, Crow Stones and the distant moors appear before the route reaches Margery Hill's 546-metre trig point. From there, continue south along Wilfrey Edge and Howden Edge, where granite outcrops and broad views make the high section feel properly wild. The edge is exposed and can be windy; the route source describes the trig as too exposed for a comfortable lunch, so do not expect shelter. The trig pillar is the defining photo: frame it with the low heather and open horizon rather than treating the summit as a generic moorland stop.

Start at Fairholmes main car park, S33 0AQ. It is a pay-and-display site with no overnight parking; toilets and a café or refreshment kiosk are available at the trailhead, but there are no facilities once you are on the high moor. Dogs are welcome on a lead at all times. The Upper Derwent hills are remote and exposed, the weather can change quickly, and phone signal is limited in the valley, so take a map and allow time for the rougher ground and route-finding. If you want the reservoirs without the moorland commitment, the shorter about-five-mile Howden Dam out-and-back is the better choice.