The River Derwent has been dammed  in Derbyshire with the creation of the Upper Derwent Reservoir, a superb cycling and leisure area that lies between two other spectacular bodies of water, the Ladybower Reservoir to the south and the Howden Reservoir to the north. A striking curtain of water is created as water spills in a controlled manner over the top of the rervoir. There is a cycle hire centre and numerous cycle paths that skirt the west side of all three reservoirs and partly the east side. The cycle trails inter-connect although for most people, cycling around the one reservoir is enough. There are car parks at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centres and some parking at all three reservoirs.

A self-catering cottage holiday in the Derwent Valley would be magnificent, especially for any families that would like to take the opportunity to cycle on traffic free trails. All around is open countryside, woodland and farms. The Peak District is heaven for bird watchers and anyone interested in nature. It is a very good family holiday destination because in addition to the splendid setting there is much of interest in the area. Derbyshire’s caverns are famous and visitors are invited for walking and underground boat tours.  There are tourist attactions galore including a model town, the Heights of Abraham with a chance of a cable car ride, museums and the usual cinemas and theatres in the larger Peak towns.

The Peak District attarcts scores of people for weekend breaks. It is lovely to get out and about in good weather. We expect lots of sunshine during the summer but it is also worth visiting at other times of year as long as it is not raining. Winter breaks can be good outside periods of heavy snow fall. The Peak District countryside looks fantastic under a light dusting of snow.