Howden Reservoir

Howden Reservoir is a Y-shaped reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, straddling the Derbyshire - South Yorkshire border. It is the highest of three reservoirs in the valley, with the lower ones being Derwent and Ladybower. The surrounding area is highly popular with walkers, cyclists, fell-runners and others who come to enjoy the wooded slopes and scenic views.

A 28.9 km (18 mi) cycle trail circumnavigates all three reservoirs. To preserve the tranquillity as far as possible, the road north along the western shores of the reservoir is closed to cars on summer weekends, bank holidays and Sundays in the winter, with a hail-and-ride minibus operating instead. The water in all three reservoirs is quite acidic and therefore does not support much wildlife, though Ladybower is regularly stocked with trout for anglers.