Alport Castles

Our 11 mile walk begins at Fairholmes Visitor Centre where toilets are available. We head along the lane past Derwent Dam and Upper Derwent Reservoir, and continue to the site of what was the temporary settlement of ‘Tin Town’. There are information boards with pictures which may be of interest. There are lovely vistas across the water and for those who are feeling peckish (it might be a long while since breakfast!) this would be a good place for a short break to refuel! We then continue along the water’s edge of Howden Reservoir before taking a footpath on the left which rises quite steeply through the trees then further on to the land slip site of  Alport Castles. Please take the time to pause on the way up to admire the beautiful view behind us. Upon reaching the edge we will have our lunch break whilst enjoying the fabulous view of the valley and hills. Then we descend steeply, with the chance to enjoy seeing the rock formations from a different angle as we go, and cross the river near Alport Farm. Proceeding along the farm lane we reach the Snake road where we cross over to continue through a ford , following a track before descending to cross Rowlee Bridge and then the road again. We ascend along the track past Rowlee farm and then turn parallel to the hillside where we can marvel at the view over the hills to our right whilst we have another short break. There is a path off to our left which we follow to descend through the trees to reach Bridgend car park, then cross the road and follow the path alongside Ladybower Reservoir back to Fairholmes. The cafe and visitor centre are likely to still be open and the coach will leave for home at 6.30 p.m. (or earlier if we make good time).

New walkers are always most welcome to this friendly and diverse club. No need to pre-book. Just turn up at one of the pick-up points. No need to be a member, you can sample two walks before you need to join the club. Membership is only £10, valid until January 2025.

Coach Departure

The coach picks up at the following points. The fare is £12.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).