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)
It's fantastic news for our city's food scene, as Restaurant JÖRO has been awarded a Michelin star.
Not only is it a huge triumph for JÖRO, but it is also a massive win for Sheffield as the award breaks a decade-long drought.
Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.
Born in December 2016 in Sheffield's ultra trendy Kelham Island area, JÖRO (which is Old Norse for 'earth') quickly became the city’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand before then collecting three AA Rosettes and an entry in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
It is loved by critics all over the country, so it's safe to say this Michelin star is absolutely well and truly deserved.
The space has just 11 tables, and their food is focused on top ingredients, purity and locality.
The space is light and airy, no dress code necessary with an inviting open kitchen that entices you to sneak a peek.
But, don't just take our word for it. Here's what the guide has to say: "JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love. The building has been smartly converted, with bedrooms available upstairs and an open kitchen in the dining room.
"The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding. Just take the Vale of Mowbray hogget, for example, enhanced by a mint-tinged lamb jus, a bright tomato and chipotle cream, and a vibrant caponata.
"The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm."
A huge congratulations to Luke, Stacey and the team - we couldn't think of anywhere more deserving. Cheers to you!
Planning application submitted for new padel courts at Sheffield’s Steel City Stadium
Clementine Hall
A property specialist has submitted an application to build three padel courts on land at Steel City Stadium.
It seems the padel craze is never ending, as more padel courts could soon be landing in Sheffield.
Scarborough Group International (SGI) are looking to build the courts as part of the group's long-term investment into the stadium.
The three courts would sit on the same level as the stadium, giving padel players access to the toilets, cafe, changing facilities and the stadium's workspace community.
If the plans are approved, the courts are expected to be up and running by summer 2026.
Image: Scarborough Group International
Scott McCabe, Director at SGI, spoke about the application: “Submitting this planning application marks another important step in the ongoing evolution of Steel City Stadium.
"We have invested considerably in the Stadium over recent years, from delivering the grandstand to opening the new café and coworking lounge, and we are committed to ensuring this becomes a vibrant, inclusive and active place for the whole community.
“Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”
The application follows a huge period of investment by SGI into Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, to date they have invested a whopping £10 million into the stadium.
We'll keep you updated when we know more about the progress of the application. Game, set, padel!
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
