A Father-Son Adventure: Wild Camping in the Upper Derwent Valley

This past weekend, my son and I embarked on our first wild camping trip of the year, choosing the serene Upper Derwent Valley as our destination. Our adventure began with an exhilarating train ride to Bamford, sparking a gleam of excitement in my son’s eyes—a reminder of the simple joys of travel.

Upon arrival at Fairholmes, we stopped at the Refreshment kiosk for a hearty jacket potato and made use of the facilities. Fortified, we continued our journey past the historic Derwent Dam, pausing to marvel at the cascading waters—a majestic sight that captivated us both.

Further up the valley, our search for a camping spot initially led us to a slope too steep for comfort. Shortly after, as the heavens opened, we donned our waterproofs and pressed further up the valley. The next spot we had in mind was already taken, and some of the alternative sites were less appealing, hindered by newly planted trees. This minor challenge, however, didn’t dampen our spirits but rather added a layer of adventure. We eventually discovered the perfect spot—a flat area nestled among young trees, hinting at a future beautiful campsite when the trees mature.

Setting up our Terra Nova Voyager tent, a newer, lighter version of my first tent—a Wild Country Voyager—felt nostalgic, like reconnecting with an old friend. It was a relief to have our tent up before dark, allowing us to prepare a modest yet satisfying supper of rice noodles and miso soup over our small stove.

The night was tranquil, and we fell asleep to the soothing sounds of nature and the nearby stream. The clear skies ensured a chilly night, but our warm sleeping bags offered a cozy refuge.

Waking early to the solitude of nature was refreshing. After a breakfast of muesli and yogurt, we packed up and set off toward the Fairholmes Visitor Centre. The morning was quiet, with only a few mountain bikers passing by, allowing us to savour the tranquility of the park. By the time we reached the car park, it was bustling with early visitors—a stark contrast to the solitude we had just relished.

Our trek continued around the scenic Ladybower Reservoir, culminating in our arrival at the Ladybower Inn just in time to catch the 11:30 bus back to Sheffield.

This trip was about more than just reconnecting with nature; it was about strengthening the bond between father and son through shared challenges and adventures. Every moment—from the train ride, to the scenic stops, to overcoming minor obstacles—contributed to a memorable journey that we both cherished.