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)
There's an award-winning little South African restaurant in Hillsborough that may be small in size, but the flavours coming out of the kitchen are anything but.
Tucked away in one of Sheffield’s favourite neighbourhoods, The Orange Bird has become one of the city’s biggest word-of-mouth food spots, with locals flocking there for its bold, modern South African-inspired cooking and seriously impressive braai dishes.
And if you’ve ever tried getting a reservation, you’ll already know just how in-demand this place has become.
Run by Anne Horner and Matthew Duggan-Jones, The Orange Bird has built a loyal following thanks to its vibrant menu packed with smoky, fire-cooked flavours, quality local ingredients, and dishes made for sharing around the table.
It’s warm, intimate, and exactly the sort of independent Sheffield restaurant people love discovering.
The menu is filled with dishes you’ll still be thinking about days later, from rich, tender lamb served over silky smooth hummus to wild garlic roti and caramelised aubergine that somehow steal the show just as much as the mains.
Then comes the big hitter dishes.
The peri-peri chicken, paired with curry butter chips and lime pickle mayo, is packed with bold flavour in every bite, while the braai sea bream perfectly shows off the smoky magic of cooking over fire.
The Orange Bird in Sheffield has previously been named one of the UK's top local restaurantsThey cook dishes over a typical South African braaiBraai sea bream, and peri peri chickenA spread of small plates at The Orange Bird in SheffieldSlow-cooked lamb on hummusThe Orange Bird, Sheffield menu
It’s easy to see why people keep returning to this Hillsborough favourite time and time again.
And naturally, no meal here feels complete without ordering something sweet to round off the evening.
The Orange Bird’s growing reputation has even seen it featured in The Good Food Guide’s prestigious 100 Best Local Restaurants guide in both 2023 and 2024, cementing its place as one of Sheffield’s must-visit food spots.
Honestly, spotting an orange bird might be rare, but finding this place without a waiting list could be even rarer.
If The Orange Bird isn’t already on your Sheffield food bucket list, this is definitely your sign to finally book a table.
Sheffield Food Festival to return this month celebrating 15th year in the city
Clementine Hall
One of the city's best foodie events is gearing up for its best celebration yet.
Foodies, you're going to want to keep reading.
Sheffield Food Festival will return this late May Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May 2026.
The festival marks its 15th anniversary, so you can expect a celebration of all things food even bigger and better than ever before.
Image: Sheffield Food Festival
From local favourites to tastes from around the world, local vendors will be coming together to raise a knife and fork to Sheffield's incredible independent food scene.
The best part? It's completely free to attend and will feature over 60 different traders that are all based locally.
Sheffield Food Festival will take place in the city centre across the Peace Gardens, Millennium Square, Town Hall Square and Winter Garden.
The festival will include four key areas to visit, including the traditional street food area, an artisan market, a community hub and the main stage and bar.
Image: Sheffield Food Festival
Managing director at Swan Events, Noemi Antonelli, said: “From foodies to families, there’s something for everyone – and we’re proud to showcase the best of Sheffield’s vibrant food culture.
"This year feels especially exciting as the festival grows beyond its footprint, with other city centre locations joining the celebrations with their own activities – creating a real buzz across the city and making it a truly shared Sheffield experience.”
So grab your mates together, build up an appetite and have a taste of the incredible food that Sheffield has to offer.
Clementine Hall -
5th August 2025 
