WHY GO
See Ladybower’s twin circular spillways from a short reservoir-side walk, framed by the wooded hills of the Upper Derwent Valley.
Ladybower’s famous ‘plugholes’ give this broad reservoir a striking piece of engineering to discover. The two bell-mouth spillways sit near the dam and carry excess water away when levels are high. From Heatherdene, a short walk opens onto views across the water and the surrounding hills; continue to the dam for a closer look at the spillway viewpoints. The scene changes with the seasons, from still reflections to the dramatic swirl of overflow after wetter weather, making it a rewarding stop even on a modest walk.
Before you set out
Details and coordinates can be incomplete or out of date. Check current access, conditions, weather and your route with the site operator before travelling. This is not live navigation or emergency guidance.
Plan a safe visit
Editorial review: 30 October 2026. Conditions may change.
Approach
Start at Heatherdene car park and follow the path from its southern end towards Ladybower Dam. The Peak District National Park Authority gives about ten minutes to the dam. For its accessible ‘Miles Without Stiles’ route, follow the surfaced path, then use the zig-zag route to the road crossing and pavement to the dam. Remain on designated paths and viewing points.
Walking time from arrival (one way)
10 minutes (approximate)
Terrain & steps
Surfaced and tarmac paths near Heatherdene, with a woodland descent, road crossing and pavement on the route to the dam. Optional paths beyond the dam vary in gradient and surface.
Accessibility
The National Park’s Ladybower Miles Without Stiles route is graded ‘Access for All’ for its first 400 m to dam views, with a longer route for some users. The route to or across the dam uses a zig-zag path from the car park to the road, dropped kerbs and pavement. Gradients remain; assess the route map and your own access needs before travel.
Access & restrictions
Reservoir-side visit is free; Heatherdene parking is managed by Severn Trent and charges may apply. Car parks open in daylight, close in extreme weather, and do not permit overnight parking. Keep clear of water and spillway edges. Swimming, fires and camping are prohibited under Upper Derwent site rules. The plugholes only overflow when reservoir levels are high.
Facilities
Heatherdene has a car park and toilet block. Picnic/refreshment facilities at Fairholmes farther up the valley are separate from this short visit; availability of refreshments at Heatherdene is unable to confirm at this time.
Seasonal considerations
The landscape can be visited year-round, but the site operator says its visitor site is closed on Christmas Day, car parks operate in daylight and may close in extreme weather. Toilet hours are approximately until 5pm in winter and 7pm in summer, subject to staffing. Overflow is most likely after sustained wet weather and cannot be guaranteed.
Sources & further reading
The references behind this entry. Use current site guidance for visiting arrangements.
