From the Fairholmes Car Park cross the main reservoir road near Locker Brook and follow the clearly signposted path onto the Forest Walk. Cross the 'leat' via the stile and footbridge, then continue on the path ahead, zigzagging through the trees (some fairly steep, but safe, sections are stepped). The Locker Brook 'leat' takes water from the brook for the Derwent reservoir.

A footpath joins your path, coming in from the left; this leads directly to the Locker Brook Centre, and should be ignored. Instead, continue on the zigzag path crossing a wall then turning left to emerge from the trees via a stile. Continue along the waymarked path to a footpath junction.

Go left at the junction, through a gate and on to another junction at the top of the ridge. Continue left, alongside the Open Hagg plantation via the grassy path.

At a stile and gate the signpost indicates "Glossop" and 'Derwent'; this signpost is a reminder of the lost village of Derwent, drowned by the waters of the mighty reservoir. Derwent and Ashopton were sacrificed to the reservoir project, the erstwhile residents being rehoused at Yorkshire Bridge. You now descend the bridleway into the tress: continue, and emerge from the plantation at a gate. Beyond this the track delivers you gently to the reservoir road, by the bank of the Ladybower.

Here is the Bridge End car park; although it lacks the facilities of Fairholmes, the site is a popular spot with seekers of tranquillity who cannot bear to be parted from their cars for more then a few moments. The original road once crossed the River Derwent at Bridge End; since the creation of the reservoir, all that remains is the name. Across the valley, up on the skyline, the Wheel Stones may be seen on Derwent Edge; this gritstone outcrop is sometimes called the Coach & Horses (the more imaginative among you may discern a coach dashing across the moor at this point). Cross the road at Bridge End and go left along the path, which runs between and alongside the road and reservoir.

On passing the aqueduct, the path bears left to return you to the reservoir road near another car park (the 'Derwent Overlook').

Follow the roadside path, bearing right to attain Fairholmes, your starting and finishing point. A useful leaflet is available here (free), which should give further ideas for exploration, as well as providing some historical background.