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)
The Leadmill has launched a relocation Crowdfunder after leaving its original home.
You may remember last year the trials and tribulations The Leadmill endured to try stay on Eyre Street where it had been stood since 1980.
From absolutely legendary gigs to unforgettable moments, The Leadmill provided some of the best nights in Sheffield for over 45 years, before the team unfortunately had to vacate the premises.
There is now hope though, as The Leadmill has set up a Crowdfunder and is asking the people of Sheffield to help hit a £30,000 goal to relocate to a new premises.
You can donate as little or as much as you’re able to, and all donations will go towards securing a new venue, building infrastructure, ensuring full accessibility, and even preserving the legendary neon sign.
Posting to their social media, The Leadmill wrote: "Following the departure from our original home, we’re working towards securing a new permanent venue - a space where The Leadmill can continue to grow and bring people together.
"We’re still presenting live music, comedy, club nights, cinema and talks, in various other venues but what we’re wanting to build now is our long-term future. To help make that happen, we’ve launched a public crowdfunding campaign which you can access using the link in our bio.
"This isn’t about starting over from scratch. It’s about continuing something that matters to people. If The Leadmill has ever meant something to you, we’d love you to be part of what comes next.
"Whether you’re able to donate, share the campaign, or simply send support we really appreciate the help and will not forget it. With love always, Team Leadmill ❤️"
If you want to bring The Leadmill back just as much as we do, you can donate here.
The factory shop in Batley where you can get your favourite biscuits for £2 or less
Thomas Melia
Just outside of Leeds in Batley, there’s a factory shop selling all of your favourite biscuit varieties for less than £2.
Sweet treat suppliers Fox’s Biscuits have been operating in Batley over 160 years with its family run business serving families across Europe, North America and of course, West Yorkshire.
These cookie creators are known for producing some of the biggest names in the confectionery industry including Maryland, Paterson’s, and all the brands above.
Whether you’re Jammie Dodger obsessed, a Party Ring preacher or a Wagon Wheel warrior, you’ll find all this and more at this biscuit factory shop - for cheaper than it is on the shelves.
If you’re after a biscuit bargain, look no further. You can get your hands on retail-ready and pre-packaged milk chocolate or millionaire’s cookies for only 85p.
Those much-loved bickies we were talking about before are all up for grabs: packs of Wagon Wheels for £1, Jammie Dodgers priced at 60p and even party rings at 50p, yes please.
You can also pick up their assorted biscuit trays that you’d usually expect to see on supermarket shelves like Fox’s classic biscuit selection, chocolatey biscuit selection and more.
Or if you have a sweet spot for a particular biscuit from one of their many boxed varieties you can get bags of individual flavours like the white chocolate rounds and triple chocolate cookies all for £1.50.
There’s even an opportunity for you to grab some Fox’s branded items like a reusable water bottle, tote bag and even sticky notes for when you plan your shopping list for your next visit.
The factory shop’s opening hours are quite limited with this vendor only opening four days a week from 9am to 3pm and 2pm on a Saturday.
Fox’s Biscuits factory shop is open four days a week from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on a Saturday, if you’re after sorting out your biscuit fix.
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
