The Sheff
The incredible Peak District walk with a jaw-dropping view
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
The Alport Castles walk takes in everything from geological formations to massive lakes to manmade structures.
The Peak District has a whole host of amazing walks to embark on, but there's on in particular that is certain to take your breath away.
And we are lucky enough here in Sheffield to have the Peaks on our doorstep.
The Alport Castle walk takes you past the Derwent Dam, a massive structure that towers 34m overhead and is flanked by twin Victorian-Gothic towers at either end.
If you catch it when the water cascades over it, you’ll witness a spectacle like no other.
Building the dam in the early 1900s was such an intense and laborious process that an entire town was built here to house the 1000-odd workers involved in its construction.
A specially created railway was also built to bring the enormous stones it’s made from to the valley from the Bole Hill quarries.
But as well as being a mighty sight to behold, the Derwent Dam holds historical significance from the purpose it served during World War Two.
The 617 Squadron used the dam to practice their low-level flying, in preparation for the Dam Busters raid against the Germans. The dam has a lot of similarity to the German dams and is now adorned with a commemorative plaque.
Occasionally, legendary planes like the Lancaster Bomber will still fly overhead to mark the work of the 617 Squadron. The dam stands at one end of the Derwent Reservoir and was constructed to keep up with the huge demand for water from the booming industries in Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester.
There’s so much water in this part of the Peak District, it’s been referred to as the Lake District of the Peaks.
If you’re eager to get out for some brisk winter fresh air, our pal GetLostMCR has pulled together the most perfect walk, which takes in lakes, views, woodland, and that iconic dam.
The nine mile route is named after Alport Castles, another feature you’ll pass on your way round.
It’s not actually a castle, but rather a tumble of boulders caused by what’s said to be the largest landslip in Britain – it doesn’t take much imagination to see how this geological feature resembles a castle.
The good-to-knows
Car Parks
- The route starts at Fairholmes Car Park. The car park does fill up quickly on weekends, so advice is to visit off-peak where possible.
- Start: Fairholmes Car Park, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ
- Toilet facilities at Fairholmes Visitor Centre
- Bicycle Hire – Derwent Valley is a great place to explore cycling trails
Cafes
There’s a refreshment kiosk at the car park, which is open everyday 8am until 6pm (later if there is demand), selling takeaway drinks, snacks and hot food.
Pubs
- Ladybower Inn (7 min drive from visitor centre)
- Yorkshire Bridge Inn (8 min drive from visitor centre)
The route
- Distance: 9 miles
- Duration: Approx. 3 hours
- Elevation: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate, gradual ascents
- Navigation: Follow the route step by step here
Public transport
From Sheffield train station take a bus to Fairholmes Car Park, a stop on several bus routes.
Featured image - GetLostMCR
