Derwent Dam Viewpoint Reviews Summary

Category: Scenic spot Hope Valley

Address: Hope Valley, S33 0AQ, United Kingdom

Rating: 4.8
based on 144 reviews.

Scenery and Views

Pros:

  • "The view from the view point and the other side looking up at the dam are spectacular 👌."
  • "The scenery is amazing."
  • "This is in an area of outstanding natural beauty with a variety of great walks of all levels to do."
  • "Standing anywhere near this Dam makes you feel very small but also in awe? The sheer size and mass of it is truly mind-boggling."
  • "A beautiful spot made even more special by the association with 617 squadron - The Dambusters."
  • "Amazing scenery, lovely walks up to the dam and all rounded off by some exceptional history."
  • "Derwent Dam Viewpoint is an absolute gem!"

Cons:

  • "Its not that big or impressive... it's been over hyped in my opinion."
  • "It might just be me but this was a massive disappointment."
  • "Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the Dam in all its glory as water levels were low."
  • "The only disappointment was you can't walk across the dam itself."

Accessibility and Walks

Pros:

  • "Mostly disabled access although not to the top of the dam as there are 92 steps."
  • "We were really impressed with how easy it was to get to this area by car and then navigate the various trails, attractions, and pubs on foot."
  • "The paths are easily accessible around the reservoir, but be prepared to walk."
  • "Great place to visit with a few laid out walks of varying length to enjoy the surroundings."
  • "Lovely walk up to Howden Reservoir and around Derwent and Ladybower."
  • "Surfaced paths make for easy walking."
  • "Very convenient walking paths well displayed, was nice enough that I could do them with my 4 month old and a pushchair."

Cons:

  • "Make sure you do squats for a solid two weeks before you visit because there's loads of steps to actually get up there, and you might lose the will to live before you reach your destination."
  • "There are however some steep steps on a couple of parts of the circular walk."
  • "Access to the Dam through the forest for the disabled is impossible."
  • "A couple of benches around not advisable for wheelchair or prams though walking sticks should be able to manage."
  • "Just disappointed that disabled blue badge holders are now getting charged for parking."

Parking and Facilities

Pros:

  • "Great picnic area with coffee shop, right by dam."
  • "There's also a bike hire shop so it's worth hiring a bike while you're there, very well recommended!!"
  • "There is a café at the car park which serves hot and cold sandwiches, tea coffee and the lot."
  • "Alongside the car park are toilets an information center and more importantly a goofy cafe selling good food drinks and of course ice cream... which was very welcome on a hot day."
  • "Great car parking. Lovely little cafe and clean toilets."
  • "There is parking available at the visitors centre along with toilets, disabled facilities and baby changing room."
  • "Many parking options, information shop is there, with souvenirs too."

Cons:

  • "Wow views were amazing to shame there's not much of a parking place you have to keep driving around until people exit which can take long while."
  • "The car park gets full on good weather days."
  • "Parking can be a bit difficult at times."
  • "Busy car parking at weekends."
  • "The only drawback that carpark is too small for amount of people visiting this place on weekends."
  • "Parking at mid morning was a little tricky but managed to get on the car park."
  • "Couldn't get parked in the car park so had to try and fund somewhere else."

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