Forest bathing at Upper Derwent Valley

The Upper Derwent Valley is the long chain of reservoirs north of Ladybower, with Derwent and Howden dams at its heart. Severn Trent, who look after the visitor site, describe quiet wooded valleys, and the visitor centre at Fairholmes itself sits in woodland about 600 yards from Derwent Dam. Further north the trail to Howden and Slippery Stones runs through mature forest into wilder country. It is a big, open place with plenty of room to find a stretch of trees to yourself.

Fairholmes is the usual starting point. The short Derwent Dam trail heads out through the woods from the car park, and the longer routes follow well surfaced, traffic free tracks along the water, so it is one of the easier places in the Peak District for level walking. The road north of Fairholmes is closed to cars at weekends and bank holidays through the main season, and on Sundays the rest of the year, which keeps the far end calm. Forestry work happens here, so follow any signs.