I went to the Peak District during a weather warning and the locals were not put off

Derwent Dam on Monday September 23.
-Credit: (Image: Derbyshire Live)


The Met Office issued an Amber weather warning on Monday, September 23, urging motorists not to drive with the forecast for the Peak District showing a healthy mix of rain, clouds and general misery. Visitors to the Peak District are made of tough stuff though - some even said it is the best time to visit.

The weather on Monday was not what you would describe as ideal hiking conditions, but when I arrived in the Peak District, I found dozens of locals out enjoying Derwent Dam on Monday afternoon. There were over thirty flood warnings for Derbyshire, with extreme rain expected throughout the day. In spite of the caution from the forecaster, dozens ventured from their homes to enjoy hiking, cycling, and trail running.

Ironically, despite the warning of the sort of weather that washes away cities, Derwent Dam and Ladybower Reservoir enjoyed a rain free afternoon, and visitors made the most of it, enjoying the almost serene setting without the crowds. Kathie and Paul Whitehouse, both 73, from Buxton, said: “Of course, we saw the forecast, but all you need to do is look out the window when you live up here and you can see whether it’s alright.

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"We don’t like going out for walks at the weekends anymore it’s become too busy with all the swarms of people. We’ve struggled to find a quiet spot this summer and just look at the gorgeous landscape with the low clouds coming over the hills. It's just so surreal, obviously we don’t condone ignoring the warnings but if it’s a day like this then why not.”

Derwent Dam in the low cloud experienced on Monday September 23
Derwent Dam in the low cloud experienced on Monday September 23 -Credit:Derbyshire Live

The turrets of Derwent Dam in the fog ensured an eery feeling over the Peak District, and a few minutes walk away from the car park, it felt like you were totally on your own without a single person in sight.

Natalie Townsend, 45, from Ashbourne was cycling with her partner around the quiet roads leading up to Derwent Dam. She said: “It’s just really peaceful on days like this. You have to take it a bit slower than usual but you should still be able to enjoy the beautiful countryside with a bit of fog. There is no use in living so close if you can’t utilize it.”

The drive to the North Derbyshire Peaks was beset with low visibility from the clouds, however, once you broke through the hills and descended into the valley the air cleared, allowing for spectacular views of the surrounding reservoirs.

Nathan Pinkett, 35, a trail runner from Derby said: “What better time to come out and run for miles? There are no cars on the road, plenty of parking, no crowds blocking trails and I feel like days like this really let you connect to nature.

"I saw the warnings but I work as a gardener so being out in the rain doesn’t really put me off. If there had been warnings of thunderstorms though, well that changes the story I would have stayed inside and bolted the doors.”