Best in the Peak District
River Derwent (Slippery Stones, nr Lady Bower)
(This is a FOUR TRUNK swim)
Location
At north end of Howden Reservoir (near the better known Lady Bower reservoir) **km west of Sheffield. Park at the “top car park” by the National Park Information Centre and walk or cycle all the way to the top of Howden. The River Derwent flows in to the reservoir at the very north end. There is a pool c. 100m to the north of the footbridge over the river at Slippery Stones. Strangely its not a spot that is well known despite being so near to the footpath.
Grid Ref
SK168/955
Features
Good depth and quiet spot. Only small but with plenty of sunbathing grass.
Hazards
None really.
Date of Last Swim
3rd August 2003
Peakshole (nr Hope, Derbys.)
(The setting is a FOUR TRUNK, but theres not much room for swimming so it only gets THREE)
Location
Take the footpath along the river from the minor road that goes south next to the Church in Hope to Castleton cement works. The majority of the bends in the Peakshole Water (what a name!) for the next 1km have pools deep enough for a swim. The Peakshole Water (what a name, again!!) feeds into the River Noe.
Grid Ref
SK 170/833
Features
Easy access and plenty of grass for sun-bathing. One of the meanders even has a rope swing.
Hazards
Unfortunately many picnic goers leave their rubbish behind. I removed a bottle of red wine (sadly I was driving as it still had some of its contents) from the river and the bank in places has a sprinkling of rubbish.
Date of Last Swim
24th April 2004
Millers Dale
(The setting is a FIVE TRUNK, but unfortunately the swimming only TWO)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
The River Wye runs in gorge near Millers Dale (about Buxton near Millers Dale)
Grid Ref
TBC
Features
A lovely spot set in a gorge with easy access from the adjacent footpath.
Hazards
The bottom of the river is a bit on the silty side, its a bit on the shallow side and the proximity of the footpath means you are never short of a wisecrack or two.
Date of Last Swim
July 2002
Bakewell
(This is a FOUR TRUNK swim)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
About 4km NW of Bakewell. Park in the car park with the toilet and follow the footpath on the opposite side of the main road downt to the river.
Grid Ref
?? 170/709
Features
Nice grass for sunbathing, easy access, reasonable depth.
Hazards
Some stones were a bit sharp (but what do you expect)
Date of Last Swim
Mid June 2002