Derwent Edge is the northerly of the Eastern edges; east from the Bleaklow plateau. Not large vertical cliffs as Stanage but interesting rock formations on the top of the predominantly grassy ridge. This walk, as with the others on the Eastern edges, are significant hill-walking expeditions. This is the heart of the wild Peak District where the conditions can be severe in wintery or windy conditions. This walk can start at various places but the description starts at the busy Fairholms Car Park.

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Leave the car park and walk towards the Derwent Dam. This can be spectacular if it is overflowing. Follow the road that turn south down the eastern edge of Ladybower reservoir. Follow this for around 2km. At Ashes FArm there is a footpath signed to Moscar. The path first goes up beside the farm to reach a shelter. From here follow the path that goes east and climbs to the top of the edge. Here is a footpath junction. Take the path on the left that climbs up the edge, and soon you will see Wheel Stones. Now walk up to this large outcrop of rock. There are good views here up Ladybower Reservoir, and over to the Bleaklow plateau. (4.5kms. 260m. 1hrs. 50min.)

The ridge is now followed north to Back Tor. On the way passing the memorable rock features of White Tor and then onto Dovestone Tor. Just before reaching Dovestone Tor check out the Salt Cellar which is lower down than the other rock features but argueably one of the more famous. Doverstone Tor is a significant rock feature with some excellent views south down the Derwent Valley. Continue along the ridge past Cakes of Bread, on the right, to reach the high point at Back Tor with it's trig point. The is as far as this route travels along the ridge on this walk. (3.0kms. 160m. 1hrs. 20min.)

From Back Tor take the NW path to Lost Lad. there is a large direction table at the summit and worth taking time to see all the sights of this area. From Lost lad follow the paths, often muddy, around the top of Green Stiches. At the path junction, rather than descending south to Pike Low, go straight ahead to the broken stone wall. Cross the wall and follow the path to descend to the reservoir. It is steep at the end but soon you reach Walkers Clough that leads to Derwent Reservoir. Now walk south down the good track alongside the reservoir to reach the Derwent Dam. Follow the footpath down to the bottom of the dam and then back to the Fairholms car park. (4.5kms. 10m. 1hrs. 20min.)

18th March 2024 Again started at Fairholms, but all was quiet. Weather was good considering the rain and wind over winter - now is spring! Walked along the reservoir and then ascended to Derwent Edge. Walked past the numerous rock features to Back Tor. Descent via Lost Lad and through the moors to the edge and a descent to Derwent Reservoir. Great day hillwalking, especially the views on a fine sunny day.

22nd October 2020 Another start from Fairholms. walked down the track alongside Ladybower before it is possible to take a path that goes up over Derwent Moor and onto Lost Lad. It was a very windy day especially on the tops. Walked down the ridge past the main rock features until the path that crosses south of Wheel Stones. This was descended to Ladybower Reservoir and then back up the track. Great autumnal trees along the valley bottom.

5th January 2020 Rather than walk from Ladybower, walked from Fairholms. The latter is busy but away from the "honey pot" the crowds disserpate. Windy on the top but some great views south down the ridge.

29th August 2019 Looked a lovely end of summer day, which is was despite the wind. A nice walk along the edge, down to Ladybower and back to the viaduct. Midweek so not many people out giving the area, especially the northern parts, a more remote feeling. The are good views all around especially up the Derwent valley or over to Mam Tor.

5th April 2018 Picked a nice clear day to undertake this walk. Difficult to find parking on these busy days. Once on the ridge there is a good path all the way. Even had a Hercules fly path to celebrate 75 years of RAF. The route from Lost Lad to the valley could be difficult in bad weather, needing a compass. But on this clear day the choice of paths is clear. A detour to Fairholms and coffee is always a bonus in this part of the world.