Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Fairholmes car park below Derwent Dam, where the Dambusters practised in 1943. It climbs east to Lost Lad (519 m), named for a shepherd boy who died in the snow, and on to Back Tor (538 m), the high point, with a trig point on its rocks. From there it follows Derwent Edge south to Dovestone Tor (505 m), then returns much the same way. It is mostly on path, with some track.
It is 10.6 km with 344 m of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Moderate: the climb out of the valley is steep at first, and the moorland paths are rough in places.
Derwent Edge is a gritstone edge of weathered tors, among them the Cakes of Bread, the Salt Cellar and the Wheel Stones. It is open moor where paths are easy to lose in mist, so check the forecast and carry a map and compass. Winter snow makes it more serious. There is a drinking-water point near the car park.
The car park charges a fee. The nearest station is Hope, about 6 km away in a straight line.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- A gritstone edge of weathered tors: the Cakes of Bread, the Salt Cellar, the Wheel Stones
- Back Tor, the high point, has a trig point on its rocks
- Starts below Derwent Dam, where the Dambusters practised in 1943
- Lost Lad is named for a shepherd boy who died in the snow
Summits on the way
- Lost Lad Hillend · passed close by
- Lost Lad 519 m
- Back Tor 538 m
- Dovestone Tor 505 m
Getting there
Start: Fairholmes · Pay and display. 53.40056, -1.74133
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Hope: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
