The Dambusters Raid, a mountain bike exploration of the Upper Derwent. The drowning of this valley and the village of Ashopton to provide water for Sheffield has created a stunning meeting of moorland and water. It also provided a practice area for the famous Dambusters Raid during WW2.
The area is crisscrossed by bridleways that 200 years ago carried goods across the Pennines, salt from Cheshire, Coal and wool from Yorkshire. Many of these old trails remain and are perfect for mountain biking. So now it’s our turn.
Two main route choices are planned;
A circuit of all three dams, Ladybower, Derwent and Howden taking in Win Hill, Hope Cross to skirt the eastern end of Kinder. A stiff climb up Hagg Side earns a brilliant descent back to the Derwent Reservoir for a leisurely finish around the Howden reservoir.
With a 1000m of ascent within its 40 Km this can be a tough ride.
If that seems too energetic there are several points to shorten the route, alternatively there will be the option to complete a steady loop around the dams with a lovely lunch stop at the old packhorse bridge at Slippery Stones and a constantly changing view of this beautiful valley.
Meet: 
Fairholmes Car Park, Upper Derwent 
10.00am