The forecast was for a cold front moving in and with it sunshine so plans were made to head off for a walk in the Peak District the destination the Upper Derwent Valley and moors. Dawn was far removed from the sunshine that was promised, thick fog and little sign of any sun; so more in hope than real expectation, with boots, pick-nick and dogs in the car we headed off for the hills.
The Upper Derwent Valley is one of our favourite locations in Derbyshire, it is a mix of Moors, Gritstone Edges and Woodland plus the Derwent valley Reservoirs and of course the River Derwent….certainly the valley has seen the hand of man in its current creation but that still cannot hide its natural wild beauty.
As we reached Ladybower and headed off up towards Howden the mornings sun broke through the mists, the still waters a mirror to the moors above….
Ashes Farm nestles beneath a frosty Derwent Edge. The farm enjoys a tranquil view over Ladybower but this is very different from the view it would have had….for beneath the smooth surface of the waters is a submerged village lost when the Derwent Valley was flooded to form this complex of reservoirs.
Man made the reservoirs may be but no less attractive for all that, time has seen a softening of the surrounds allowing all to blend together…
Howden is the ‘top’ lake of the system it shores surround by plantations, mainly of Pine and Larch. Walking through the woods at Ox Hey is a pleasure what ever the season but at this time of the year the Larch have lost their needles and allow more expansive and colourful views…..and was I imagining it – but could I smell Spring?
Pine, Larch and Water a perfect mix.
It is at an appropriately named ‘Cold Side’ that you get your first views of the River Derwent as it flows into the network of reservoirs of its name. To-day the waters flow slow and low…..
It is not long before you break out of the woods and start to get the feel of the moors ahead…
It soon becomes more open and expansive and at one time an area extesifly grazed by sheep. These old Sheep Pens stand testament to a much busier era….
They are still used but the numbers of grazing sheep have been drastically reduced to allow regeneration of the moor, on the slopes beyond a new plantation of Oak has been created to replace the forest long lost over the years.
But a moorland view is still not as bleak as some make out. This lone Silver Birch above Slippery Stones in the shadow of Margery Hill…
It also provides a great natural sign post for the bridge when the weather is less clement….
It is also here that you discover the headwaters of Derbyshire’s River Derwent…
Less than 1/2 mile from this spot in the heart of Howden Moor, a spring bubbles up from the peat, joins with numerous other springs, becomes a stream, then a small river named Derwent soon to join the Derwent Reservoirs, then after helping to fill them, starts its long journey to eventually swell the River Trent and onwards to the North Sea.
It is also a great spot to break out the flask and for Carla and Buster the chance to take a breather…..Time to head for home and soon the evening glow added a further touch of magic to the Larch. A not very promising start but in the end a perfect day….
9th January
© David Oakes 2013
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 