Ladybower RFM Blue Line Walking with the Kids

 

Ladybower 

RFM Blue Line 

Walking with the Kids

24/12/25








A Christmas walk around Ladybower Res is a much loved route by many in South Yorkshire. We were the day before Christmas Eve so there were people but it wasn't busy. The weather was calm, a bit misty, mizzly, murky, cool but not cold. It was good to have a walk again with Lacey, Max and Lola.



This is a lakeside walk and we immediately came across this interesting tree with the lake behind. On the right Win Hill peaks out of the mist reminding Lacey and I of similar conditions when we climbed it on the walk entitled Aston. https://rfmbluelines.blogspot.com/2024/07/win-hill-aston-hope-walking-with-lacey.html That is one tough peak to climb, very steep slopes 



I am not the first one to think this scenery in this weather is reminiscent of Scotland. Mist and water beautiful and soul warming.


The woods to our right were full of interesting winter bare trees and fast running streams bounding down the steep leafy slopes.

Just look at the tangle of tree branches and think of the elves and spirits hiding from our gaze. Well if you are in Middle Earth.
A view to the head of the lake where we are going. 
Such serenity.
This is the valley of the missing villages and some buildings remain but have been re-purposed.


A hen Pheasant watched us from the wall top for a few minutes allowing the girls to get some good photos. This route is Squirrel rich and some of the younger ones just totally ignored us. We watched them eating berries and cavorting through the bushes and trees.



More old buildings and then finally we got a sight of the dam which was our halfway point.






The water coming over this dam in winter is loud and awe inspiring truly an event not to be missed.


The photo of all of us and the dam will be one I treasure for a long time to come.




We stopped at the car park and cafe for a slice of cake and a rest, watching the little birds flit around, Robins, Chaffinches, Nuthatches, Blue Tits and Great Tits to name but a few. The way back on the opposite shore was shorter and with less ups and downs but equally interesting.







We think the alien objects were some thing to do with the 2 huge pipes.




The end of this part of the lake came in sight and the walk was nearly over.
A short walk over the bridge and we were back at the car. These kids are great to walk with, no real falling outs and they find interest in everything we see. Its a pleasure to be with them.

There are a lot of little ups and downs on this walk but the figure of 793 feet seems far too much so I think that must be an error. A comfortable 61/2 miles and though slow in places we still managed a reasonable pace.

OS Map

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/29967119/derwent-rfm-blue-line?lat=53.39191&lon=-1.74986&zoom=12.4884&style=Aerial&type=2d

Comments

Anonymous said…
Lovely walk, especially when it's quieter and the lake has plenty of different views. Great to get out with your Grandkids too, they are growing up much too fast.
December 24, 2025 at 3:01 AM
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