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)
If there’s one thing Sheffield knows how to do, it’s a pork sandwich.
And while there are plenty of places across the Steel City serving up the classic combo of pork, stuffing, apple sauce and that all-important crackling, there’s one Hillsborough butcher that deserves a bit more attention.
Say ey-up to F Funks, a proper old-school independent butcher where you go in for one thing and somehow end up eyeing up half the counter.
And if you’re hungry, the pork sandwich is the one to know about. We’re talking generous helpings of pork, proper crackling, and a breadcake that does exactly what it needs to do - no fancy brioche, no unnecessary toppings.
But what makes places like F Funks so good is that it feels like a proper part of the neighbourhood.
F Funks has been serving customers since 1890, meaning this isn’t some new food trend that’s suddenly appeared on Middlewood Road.
F Funks butchers in Sheffield. Credit: The Sheff
It’s not trying to be the next big food opening or become Sheffield’s newest Instagram hotspot. It’s simply doing what a good local butcher should do: selling quality meat, making cracking sandwiches, and keeping the regulars coming back.
Whether you’re a Hillsborough local, heading to Sheffield Wednesday, or simply fancy ditching the meal deal for something a little more substantial, F Funks is well worth knowing about.
Sheffield might have plenty of new food spots popping up every other week, but sometimes the best finds are the ones that have been quietly serving the locals for years.
You’re not just buying a sandwich, you're buying a proper bit of Sheffield food history.
Sheffield artists wanted to help put their stamp on huge new neighbourhood
Daisy Jackson
Sheffield artists are being given the chance to leave a permanent mark on one of the city’s biggest new developments.
Capital&Centric is calling on local creatives to help bring its new Fitzwilliam neighbourhood in Mesters’ Village to life – and one lucky artist will ultimately see their work commissioned as part of the finished scheme.
The developer is particularly keen to hear from street artists in Sheffield, asking creatives to send over their portfolios for a chance to take part.
Four artists will be shortlisted and paid to develop their ideas, before one is chosen to create the final piece.
Capital&Centric announced the opportunity on social media, saying: “If you’re an artist in Sheffield who wants to leave their mark on the city, then you’re gonna want to listen to this.
"We’re building Fitzwilliam, a brand-new neighbourhood in Mesters’ Village Sheffield, and we want local artists to put their stamp on it.
"DM us your portfolio, we’ll then shortlist four artists, pay you to sketch out your idea, and then one of you will be commissioned when the building’s done.
"So if you’re a street artist in Sheffield, or know one, share this, tag them, and get involved."
The call-out comes as plans for Fitzwilliam move forward, with the new neighbourhood set to bring 192 rental homes to the site between Sheffield city centre and Kelham Island.
Construction is expected to get underway in early 2027, with the first residents due to move into Fitzwilliam from spring 2029.
The development will feature two six-storey buildings containing the new homes, with the architecture designed to reflect Sheffield’s industrial heritage.
Brick and black steel will feature heavily in the scheme, while residents will have access to a range of shared facilities designed to make the development feel more like a neighbourhood than a collection of apartments.
These will include communal lounges, co-working spaces, a landscaped courtyard and a rooftop terrace offering views across Sheffield.
There will also be space at ground-floor level for an independent café-bar.
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
