National Trust Ticket Portal

Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features

A moderate guided walk exploring the sunken Derwent Village and how to identify archaeological features in the landscape.

Discover the history of the Upper Derwent Reservoirs and learn how to identify archaeological features on this moderate circular walk of the Upper Derwent Valley. The first section of the walk takes us from Fairholmes car park to Derwent Dam before ascending onto Crookhill, where the archaeology dates back to the Bronze Age. The walk returns along the shore of Ladybower Reservoir past the Lost Villages.

Along the route, our expert walk leaders will discuss the history of the famous dams, including the lost Derwent Village, and teach you how to identify common archaeological features in the landscape. 

This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

Please note:

  • Please meet at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre at Fairholmes Car Park.
  • Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.
  • Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
  • This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.
  • Older accompanied children are welcome.
  • Please arrive by 09:50 to leave promptly at 10:00.

Ticket options

  • Adult - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    Adult - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    £7.50

    This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

    0 10 max

    This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

  • Child - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    Child - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    £5.00

    Older accompanied children are welcome. This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

    0 10 max

    Older accompanied children are welcome. This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

  • Family (1 adult and 2 children) - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    Family (1 adult and 2 children) - Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features
    £12.50

    Family ticket admits one adult and two children. This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

    0 1 max

    Family ticket admits one adult and two children. This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

Festival of Archaeology Walk: Lost Villages and Hidden Features

A moderate guided walk exploring the sunken Derwent Village and how to identify archaeological features in the landscape.

Discover the history of the Upper Derwent Reservoirs and learn how to identify archaeological features on this moderate circular walk of the Upper Derwent Valley. The first section of the walk takes us from Fairholmes car park to Derwent Dam before ascending onto Crookhill, where the archaeology dates back to the Bronze Age. The walk returns along the shore of Ladybower Reservoir past the Lost Villages.

Along the route, our expert walk leaders will discuss the history of the famous dams, including the lost Derwent Village, and teach you how to identify common archaeological features in the landscape. 

This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

Please note:

  • Please meet at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre at Fairholmes Car Park.
  • Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.
  • Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
  • This 7 mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.
  • Older accompanied children are welcome.
  • Please arrive by 09:50 to leave promptly at 10:00.

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