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.
Image: GetLostMCR
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.
Image: GetLostMCR
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.
Image: GetLostMCR
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)
A fundraising campaign has been launched after a much-loved wildlife pond in Sheffield was destroyed in what has been described as a "devastating" act of vandalism.
The pond over at Heeley City Farm, which had recently been refurbished by a dedicated group of volunteers aged 16 to 24, was almost completely destroyed over the weekend after its lining was deliberately slit, causing the water to drain away.
According to the farm, the project had been months in the making and was designed to create a peaceful haven for wildlife while also providing a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy.
The volunteer group behind the project invested countless hours into transforming the area and even helped secure nearly £5,000 in funding to bring their vision to life.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the heartbreaking news to Instagram, Heeley City Farm said: "Last weekend, we experienced a truly devastating act of vandalism at the farm. Our newly refurbished pond area, lovingly created by our incredible 16–24 volunteer group, was almost completely destroyed.
"This space was so much more than a pond. It was designed to be a peaceful haven for wildlife, a calm area for visitors to enjoy and somewhere nature could thrive in the heart of the city. The group poured many hours of hard work, care and passion into transforming the area, even helping to secure nearly £5,000 in funding to bring the project to life.
"In just a matter of hours, so much of that work was torn apart. The pond lining, a fundamental and vital part of the entire project, was deliberately slit, causing the pond to almost completely empty. Plants purchased especially for the habitat were ripped up and frogs and newts had only recently begun returning, making the destruction even more heartbreaking. Valuable habitat has been lost overnight.
"We are devastated for our volunteers, staff, and everyone who enjoyed this special space. It is incredibly disheartening when so many people are working tirelessly to improve the farm and create better facilities for the community, only to face setbacks like this that drain already scarce time and resources. It also leaves understandable fears about future projects and improvements being targeted in the same way.
"The police are investigating this incident and CCTV footage of the group responsible has been provided to them. Despite this, we are so proud of our volunteers and everything they achieved. Their hard work created something beautiful, and although right now we are heartbroken, we are determined that this will not take away the passion and community spirit behind the project.
"If anyone would like to support us in rebuilding the pond area and restoring this important wildlife habitat, any donations, no matter how small, would be hugely appreciated (link in bio). Your support will help our volunteers bring this special space back to life. Thank you."
Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival
Clementine Hall
Peddler’s 13th year marks a bold new direction for the free monthly event.
Peddler Market began its life 12 years ago as a street food night market with a sprinkling of live music and DJs.
Now that they're synonymous with bringing some of the best street food the UK has to offer to Sheffield, the organisers are now heading in a new direction.
Peddler will now offer a five-stage monthly music festival, spread across their Kelham Island footprint - maintaining its ‘free entry’ ethos for customers.
Image: Supplied
But don't worry, food will still be a key component all whilst increasing their to platform some of the best local promoters, record shops, DJs and bands across Sheffield.
But now, they're bringing five stages to Peddler, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city.
“Twelve years ago, we filled a gap that Sheffield really needed,” Jordan Roberts - owner, says. “Since then, it’s nourished this huge gastronomic change within the city. Now there’s food halls and street food everywhere, which is great because people have choice – at peddler amazing street food is a given but now you can expect much more”
Image: Supplied
"I wanted to create a labyrinth of exploration like that you find at a proper festival, tread the zones, sample the delights and find your vibe. It’s like a little mini festival,” Jordan says.
“With Tramlines and We Out Here being huge inspiration for the next gen development. There’s a car park stage, the inside main stage, a courtyard stage, the factory floor and activities happening in the basement underneath too,” Jordan explains. “Bands, DJs, the whole thing.”
Image: Supplied
“We’ve always been a street food event with two music stages,” he explains. “Now we’re excited to bring five stages, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city. After more than 100 Peddler Markets where we’ve always hosted a free entry gig.
"We’ll still host our street food partners, who love seeing all the Sheffield foodies. However, the changing music line up will help you ‘save the date’ making each month even more unmissable”
The first edition of the reformatted Peddler lands on the usual first Friday and Saturday of the month on 5-6 June and promises a sprawling, multi-space experience inspired as much by classic city festivals as warehouse parties and independent culture.
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
