I am by no means wishing to detract from the fabulous sporting achievements of the cyclists who took part in the second day of the Tour de France, or from the brilliant organisation of the race itself. I would however like to set the record straight with regards to the ITV commentator’s inaccurate comments about some of the spectacular landscapes that the race passed though in the beautiful Peak District.
It was nice that the commentator made an effort to give viewers a little bit of information about the area. Unfortunately he got it wrong. The reservoir at the bottom of the Holme Moss descent is actually Woodhead Reservoir – not Ladybower Reservoir. Ladybower is a beautiful reservoir that is about 10 miles to the south east as the crow flies and the race didn’t go anywhere near it. He also gave quite a lengthy account of how the Dambusters practiced their bouncing bomb technique during the war on Ladybower Reservoir. That again was incorrect. It wasn’t Ladybower Reservoir or Woodhead Reservoir. It was Derwent Reservoir in the Upper Derwsent Valley where they practiced their low level flying.
Having said all that, both Woodhead Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir are well worth a visit. Set among the stunning hills and moorland of the Peak District they offer fabulous opportunities for cycling and walking. Running along the south side of Woodhead Reservoir is the Longdendale Trail which forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail – a popular route for cyclists and horse riders. For walkers, to the south is Bleaklow – second highest hill in the Peak District and to the north is Black Hill – third highest hill. The Pennine Way footpath crosses over both and offer the hiker some magnificent moorland views. During August and September 2014 Peak Walking Adventures are offering guided walks on both Black Hill and Bleaklow.
Ladybower Reservoir can be found near to the village of Bamford on the A57 between Glossop and Sheffield. In my opinion the views of Ladybower Reservoir from the surrounding hills such as Win Hill, Derwent Edge and Bamford Edge are the finest in the Peak District. If you are into cycling, there is a good cycle track around Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs with a cycle hire centre at the northern end of Ladybower. If hill walking is more your thing, then go and explore the hills around Ladybower Reservoir, or join us on one of our ‘Hills around Ladybower‘ guided walks
A few photos of Ladybower Reservoir:
