Ladybower Reservoir & The Ghosts of a Drowned Village - Ashopton

Please watch: "The Most Beautiful Closed Railway in the UK? Scarborough to Whitby Railway Episode 2"
• The Most Beautiful Clo... -~-
Ladybower Reservoir & The Ghosts of a Drowned Village - Ashopton
Join me as i revisit Ladybower Reservoir to uncover more lost secrets of the lost Hamlet of Ashopton. Drowned to the waters of Ladybower shortly after construction of the dam & reservoir.
I begin by taking a look at one of the famous plugholes, before heading off to find remains of the village road, Wood Lane, that once fed the main Ashopton Hamlet.
Next up is a look at the original Ladybower Bridge, still standing but well hidden and out of sight to most.
Finally we get below Ashopton Viaduct, taking a look at where certain buildings once stood and remembering what once was.
All this in addition to comparisom maps from 1900 and present day.
Join me on Patreon - / trekkingandtowpaths
Would you like to help support my Channel? Hit the link to find out how: / @trekkingexploration
Buy me a Coffee at ko-fi.com/trekkingtowpaths
PayPal at
www.paypal.me/trekkingtowpaths
Follow me on Facebook at / trekkingexploration
Twitter at / trekexploration
Instagram at
/ trekkingexploration
#ladybower #reservoir #derwent #village Additional Music by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.
www.scottbuckley.com.au

[@taloire43]

Overlaying the old map with the present layout was a very good idea and helped understand the geography as it once existed. Thank you.

[@eggy77]

I always use overlays, I can never get my brain around the side by side ones 😄

[@graemehannam3950]

Thanks for uploading this videos, remember going here in the drought of 1976 or 1977, my dad took me, my mum and sister and saw the remains of these 2 villages, sad sight and all in the name of progress

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Very interesting - my Mother would often visit the Tea Rooms at Ashopton after a day walking in the Peak District. She said it was hard to believe what was planned for the area.....

[@andiepasdedeux6576]

Magnificent - how cool to see the old Ladybower Bridge. Such a shame that we'll never see Ashopton again - apparently, it's all silted up beneath the waters. If you're looking for another Derbyshire "drowned village" exploration, check out Woolley. This was drowned beneath Ogston Reservoir, near Brackenfield. There's also a beautiful old abandoned chapel nearby.

[@myselfG3184]

You could see them again. With new technology it's very possible. It's money that will stop it and permission from who needs to give permission

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Again, I watched out of order, absolutely stunning. The photos of days gone by, the overlay of maps, the narration, all fantastic. Thank you so much for this series, Ant.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Absolutely fantastic. Nostalgic but at the same time worrying about the water situation. Filming outstanding Ant. What a work you have put into this for us. Really appreciated. Thank you.

[@eggy77]

I think the size of Ladybower and the other dams is just about right, standing on the viaduct there's still loads of water in it, and now we are getting to the wetter, more wintery weather so it should gradually start topping up again.

[@xr6lad]

It will fill again. Why the worry?

[@markholroyde9412]

@@xr6lad There isn't any worry, just snowflakes over reacting LOL,

[@davidclark3603]

Wow, I didn't know any of this. I have been there so many times. The music is brilliant.

[@richarddoran3877]

Superb video. It looks like all the buildings got demolished, probably to deter people from scuba diving. But I bet the roads will still be there. Wouldn't it be good if it could be completely drained.

[@stevie-ray2020]

Reckon most were demolished simply to reuse in the construction of the dams either as dressed-stone or rubble-fill!

[@leegibson5057]

Ashopton village remains are completely silted over divers have been down they won't be seen the waters haven't been that low since the reservoir first filled there's probably another 40 feet of water left at that end,great video ant

[@kenstevens5065]

A bit of trivia Ant, in the film The Dambusters when the aircraft are at practice over the Derwent Valley dams a Lancaster passes over the Derwent dam with the view ahead showing Ladybower reservoir and the pipe aqueduct. In 1943 when the dams raid took place Ladybower would have just started filling and the reservoir floor would likely be visible. By the time the film was shot in 1954 it would have filled up as seen in the film. Superb production as usual.

[@volvos60bloke]

The quality of everything you produce on here is fabulous, keep it going!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much for your kind words 🙂

[@MrAsBBB]

Fabulous video. The old pictures show just how deep the water is. So atmospheric! Well done.

[@rob1134]

Brilliantly done. Love the old photos. This place has always fascinated me. Keep up the good work.

[@colinmorse2467]

Loved both videos, very informative driven past many a time, and never realised they lost villages to make way for the reservoir, lovely haunting music to accompany too,well done

[@bobingram6912]

Great vid Ant, seeing those B&Ws brings home what was lost, a whole way of life gone, creepy, as you say. Watching the water going down the plughole is mesmerising, you've got to go back, but give it a year or two!!!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@Peter-MH]

What a settling! Looks incredible in those surroundings!

[@mike-du5yx]

Superb video as always Ant. Gorgeous images and filming! Thank you!

[@RobTaverner]

Stunning work Ant! Thank you.

[@davidedwards5920]

Another superb video Ant, keep them coming. Always enjoy watching your content. 👌

[@barbhenderson4867]

Excellent videos so much history, Thankyou x

[@trainmanbob]

Magnificent...the history, the video and of course you Ant. No-one does a historical video as well as you do. Thank you for more wonderful enjoyment. Cheers, Bob

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Most excellent, Ant. Great filming and describing various structures along the length of this reservoir. Thanks ever so much for this video, as it is so compelling to watch.

[@sarahwinfield3989]

Lovely, Thanks for taking the time out to walk around the reservoir and to posting your video.

[@andrewbull6513]

One of the comments called your fantastic videos haunting . Great description. Really appreciate these and all your work.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thanks for the tour today. A sad affair to see, but I guess that’s progress. See you on the next. Cheers Ant! 😊

[@nelliemelba4967]

Looking forward to this...Your two detailed videos have answered lots of my questions, ones that been puzzling me about the reservoir, and the two lost villages, since I was on a school field there, 40 off years ago. Finally I have some perspective on the whole area! Thank you!

[@Richard_Barnes]

Another very well put together video Ant 👍🏻 The map overlays really help to see it how it used to be. Onto part 3! Enjoyed this series. Superb stuff. 😃

[@zaf9834]

Thanks for spending time making this video.

[@fhwolthuis]

Excellent video, Ant 👍🏻👍🏻😀

[@russellbennett8516]

A very well produced video with great narration and interesting map and picture inserts. Well done, much enjoyed!

[@pauldinsdale5930]

Haunting, beautiful and really well put together videos. I don't live around this area but I've driven / ridden to and past here lots of times as its a fantastic place. Thank you for such a great insight into the recent history of the local area. Thank you.

[@Cortinaman63]

I love nostalgic stuff like this great series on Ashopton & Derwent and your music choice for each video has been perfect, thanks from Cortinaman63.

[@margarmaddocks3067]

Really enjoyed watching video. We walk there a lot but didn't know much about the history. Fantastic

[@cliffgr4322]

Another fantastic video. What intreage me out was the actual old maps and how things was in the old days . I was really interested in this and the previous one. I have watched the Mansfield Road tunnel and very interested. Enjoying watching these videos. Thank you again for the history lessons.

[@vehicletransmission]

Both videos great to see Ant, thanks

[@gs425]

Another great production Ant

[@eggy77]

Another great video 👍 love those colourised photos, really bring the old images to life. I've never even thought to look where that old bridge is, looking on the map, looks like that path is where the old road went, and the railing looks like that was a private road. I'd never got my head around where the railway ran up the valley so good to know now. The music fits the video perfectly 👍 I've seen a video of inside the plughole, by Patrick Dickinson. That's worth a watch for anyone that's interested.

[@tinagail-thompson5882]

oh my god Ant your vlogs just get better and better. this one is amazing. thank you x

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you so very much Tina ❤️❤️

[@leanneh5293]

Another fab video Ade, I drove past the reservoir in Glossop on the way to Manchester a few weeks ago and it was empty! It looked very eerie!

[@brianperry]

What a great video of a beautiful area. I visited a Girlfriend who lived quite near Ladybower... we took in the view, had lunch at the Ladybower Inn..lovely day out. Had no idea what was beneath the waters.... thanks for the history lesson...

[@jessgerrard2792]

Great video again Ant, love the mix of enthusiasm and history. Good use of the drone again. Thanks for making and posting.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks Jess. Very much appreciated. Part 3 is coming soon 🙂

[@myselfG3184]

Another brilliant documentary 👍

[@outdooradventures8773]

I love the excitment at finding that gate

[@simonmcowan6874]

That was brilliant, I'm off to watch part 1.

[@maxthecat14]

Fantastic video. it is so interesting but sad to see what used to be there before the reservoir. I loved the music too., I think i said that on another of your videos, but it's true, you choose atmospheric music.

[@lenasjogren7912]

Hi what a great video you had doing i love this one have a great day my friend 🙏 🙏 👍 😇

[@adam11111]

Excellent. Very well presented.

[@michaelmiller641]

Thanks Ant, I did enjoy that, absolutely fascinating!

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Michael

[@greengrass9572]

I came here on a Geography Field Trip October 1990 age 14 (year 10) , we came from the south east in 2 noisey smokey yellow Leyland Sherpa type mini busses from Surrey County Council and it took hours to get there. We were given clip boards and hire bicycles on arrival , it was a 3 day visit including Sheffield and a place called Castleton I think. The dam and reservoir were the fist place we visited , I remember the story of the lost village and dam busters practice runs that our tour guide told us.

[@jimmillward3505]

excellent work well done. Derbyshire is stunning....take us to the blue john mines in a video. just an idea

[@TV-gh7ug]

Very enjoyable

[@stebishopnomad1838]

Very very interesting video and very informative love your channel thank you.

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Fantastic such a shame about the history such beautiful old buildings. Please stay safe and take care

[@carlbentley80]

Fantastic video. Very interesting.

[@philipbain]

You wanted suggestions for Derbyshire, there are plenty, the disused railway lines that form the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak Trails (the latter being very old and very novel) that are popular walks littered with the ghosts of there former uses. Also the High Peak Railway went all the way to Whaley Bridge, there is much of this to explore beyond the High Peak Trail which ends at the large quarry on the edge of Buxton. Errwood Reservoir is a case in point, it's access road is the old worked incline of the Cromford & High Peak Railway with preserved trackbed before and after.

[@eggy77]

I read earlier this week that the hamlet of Goyts Bridge has recently become visible within Errwood Reservoir. Looking at the old map I wonder if there's any ruins visible in Fernilee Reservoir too where the quarry was.

[@andiepasdedeux6576]

@@eggy77 Hi Paul, where did you read this? Would love to see it!

[@PipThorne]

We went out to see Derwent village a couple of weeks ago and wandered round what’s left of the hall. Thank you for putting the video together. It gave real context to what we saw, and answered many of our questions. Fantastic drone shots. 👏

[@TrekkingExploration]

Glad you enjoyed it Pip. I've been back to Derwent Hall and a few other bits this week 🙂

[@marymoor935]

Brilliant video, I have a suggestion about those very old pillars, they could of been moorings, as they may have traded via the river in the days they were built. Lovely and beautiful morning you had there, the sky was amazing. Thank you, for this beautiful exploration ❤️👍

[@eggy77]

Mary Moor thinking they are moorings 😁 that's like Dan Rivers reporting on flooding. Looking at the first pillar I thought the base of a old wall, with a fence along the top, but the road looks too far away and there's no property close by.

[@davidlee6720]

me and a pal once climbed up and sat on the edge of that stepped overflow , he stood on the rim and looked over, while I politely refused! HG Wells comes to mind and The Time Machine.

[@TrekkingExploration]

That's scary stuff Indeed 😮 I couldn't do it 😮

[@1979phill]

this is probably the best video with the most knowledge of ladybower and ashopton that ive watched. absolutely amazing with a real history lesson.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks so much for your kind comments. A part 3 has just gone on this evening

[@1979phill]

@@TrekkingExploration your welcome. ive been there hundreds of times, but never seen the ruins. great knowledge and much easier to find them with the help of videos like yours.

[@daystatesniper01]

Superb

[@a11csc]

another fantastic vid ant,with awesome drone footage

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Chris

[@andrewdavis9223]

What a lovely video it must have been great in the day

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thank you very much Andrew 🙂

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Nice one Ant

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Jon

[@billybrown2703]

If you are up that way again it might be worth a visit to Earles sidings and hope cement works. You might have been already? Also old Shallcross sidings in Whaley Bridge. You can get right into the locos at Hope cement works. Great videos, keep it up 👍

[@userwl2850]

That big plug hole gave me nightmares as a kid. 😲

[@TrekkingExploration]

They are a bit freaky 🙂

[@bouc41]

I have only seen 2 of your videos, it is sad to see what we have lost for the sake of progress, these villages could have been dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere but the war certainly made that impossible; however your great presentation and music score makes it glorious.

[@wheater5]

I live in a bungalow built in 1976 that, according to the builder, who built the place for himself, unofficially contains a few relic stones from Derwent village in its front wall.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Wonderful! i think you brilliantly convey the haunted atmosphere of the place: the early morning stillness, the faded photographs, the crumbling bridge, and the accompanying music. I wonder whether there are any remains of the railway used in its construction? Thank you.

[@michaeldavies9533]

Brilliant video again Ant,when my Aunt and Uncle lived in Stalybridge Manchester I the 50/60s Dad used to drive on the Snake Pass and we went by the Ladybower Dam ,,we went to visit some friends in the summer of 1976 when the UK had weeks oh dry weather and you could see all though I am told was the Church Spire ,what a difference from the last visit t Stalybridge Manchester..

[@socklesslad]

Ladybower Bridge used to carry the A6014 - it's interesting to see just how narrow the road must have been, which shows how little traffic there was back then.

[@petedemaio168]

What a beautiful photograph at the start! Could be a poster. Love that morning light. Appreciate you getting up early. How about the railway tunnel under the town of Wirksworth? It's filled in at the town end and you'll need permission to go in. But I would like to see you or Martin Z do it. Or both.

[@garethevans4557]

Are the stone pillars foundations of the railway used to construct ? the old viaduct pillars further up the valley are very similar ?

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

excellent video👍 sad to see the village gone was it derelict before it was flooded and why would any remains of the village be still there if it was empty

[@ste.h9825]

Brilliant & beautiful photography.I wonder what happened to all those people displaced from their homes,farms etc.Thanks Ant.

[@kenstevens5065]

The people displaced were provided with new homes close by. The graves at Derwent churchyard further up the valley were exhumed and reburied. It was seen as progress to build the reservoir and since Ladybower wasn't opened until just after WW2 by then I think a lot of people looked forward to a bright future and progress after a horrible long war. I wonder what they would think if they were here now living in our troubled world. Finally another brilliant production Ant. Thank you.

[@ste.h9825]

Thanks for the update.Much appreciated.

[@NBMedia8928]

Fantastic video again, I can't help but wonder if there's anything left of Ashopton village itself and how much could be seen if the water levels dropped completely.

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

From what I've read online, even totally drained the old village is sillted over and would be no longer visible sad to say. But you never know !

[@robin_in_the_hood]

That looks like a nice walk 👌

[@TrekkingExploration]

It's a lovely huge area 🙂

[@robin_in_the_hood]

@@TrekkingExploration definitely going to put it on my list mate thanks 😊 great video by the way

[@JackRussell43]

Further along the A57 toward Manchester the route of the old road is visible where it joins up with the A57.

[@terminusaquo1980]

I can't imagine living in the shadow of that viaduct knowing that I would have to leave my home and friends because the entire village is being demolished to make way for a reservoir

[@davidthompson8989]

Barrow hill roundhouse 👍🏻

[@tinafoote9640]

I would love for you to do Eyam.

[@TrekkingExploration]

I shall have a look into this Tina 🙂

[@myselfG3184]

I think the colloms alt the river side may be where they were testing to build the bridge

[@hollyylloh515]

Stay positive with Sherpa 🇬🇧🌟💙😛💐👍🖤👏🐕♥️😇🤗🐶🐶😁🙏🙏💯💖

[@cgln8760]

Usually going under Ashopton viaduct in one of the fishing boats, you almost have to duck your head.

[@TheShowgirl25]

You always get a like from mr.

[@simonbiggs9102]

10/10 brilliant episode only just started watching you today.

[@TrekkingExploration]

Thanks very much Simon I'm so pleased you are enjoying them 🙂

[@WhatALoadOfTosca]

13:36 Is the Ladybower Bridge normally under water?

[@davidknowles3459]

Yes

[@WhatALoadOfTosca]

Imagine surviving the war to come to to be kicked off your land.

[@eggy77]

Howden Reservoir started construction in 1901 so I assume the residents of Derwent and Ashopton knew they would be losing their homes for a good few years before either wars started, still not nice especially for families with generations in the area though. Ginnet House at the side of the A57 should have been knocked down too, but Miss Cotterill refused to move out of her house.

[@tonyclough9844]

They all lived in rented accommodation like the village of Tyneham in Dorset, and were always subject to eviction.

[@daviddale7606]

If you listen tto your commentary, you have indicated that Derwent village is up in the direction of Snake pass. From your view from the south the viaduct carrying the Snake road, below which lay under water the remains of Ashopton village. IDerwent village is north of that viaduct

[@scmorton2370]

The gate to nowhere they are Marking access points owned by seven Trent and can be found all along the pipeline I believe

[@xr6lad]

@ 14:00. That’s not an old path. That’s a continuation of the road you can see the tarmac through the bushes.

[@KateRVN]

I have to ask you, what camera you are using to record your visits on please? Love the drone shots. Again, could you please tell me which drone you use and also if you get anyone harassing you when you throw it up?

[@TrekkingExploration]

Hi Kate. I'm currently using a GoPro 9 and a Sony for stills. The drone is a Mavic Air 2. Glad you are enjoying them

[@KateRVN]

@@TrekkingExploration Thanks ever so much for your reply Ant. I am really enjoying your videos. Perhaps you should invest in some waders and wellies for the mud diving?? 😉

[@TrekkingExploration]

@@KateRVN I do have both, waders I'd get stuck and wellies slow me down and tempt you to go places that are extra risky 😉 Glad you are enjoying them 🙂

[@jetsons101]

It would really hurt to fall in one of the round plug holes, OUCH.... Ant, great use of map fading, really helps with the story. Just think of all of the back stories of the people seen in the old B&W pic's. Ant, this put the BBC and The History Channel to shame.

[@adriancox2737]

What's the piano music from its amazing

[@garywiddowson5633]

Don’t forget about ‘Tin Town’

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

Do you happen to know precise location, I've been looking all over on g.maps but not noticed any scarring on the landscape. 😣

[@garywiddowson5633]

@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 It was on the derwent side. There is a plaque identifying where it used to be.

[@eggy77]

@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 can't access it currently due to tree felling from Fairholmes onwards, however the Wobbly Runner did a video on that not long ago which I recommend checking out.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Are there any of the old buildings left or were they removed before lake was formed?

[@TrekkingExploration]

All of the Ashopton buildings were demolished and any remains are expected to be buried in silt

[@davidsmith6661]

This highlights the fact that, as the population increases and the demand for resources - in this case water - increase, then sacrifices have to be made such as destroying this village.

[@denniseichert2323]

Wouldn't it be interesting to climb into some kit and dive out there to actually see what state any surviving structures are in now? The concrete structures you mentioned (together with the smaller pillars to your right as you walked toward the viaduct) are clearly early load bearing pillars. Mary could be right, but I might suggest they are foundations to buildings now long gone. Looking at the way in which they were constructed makes me think they were built as vertical load pathways as opposed to asymmetric requirement for a mooring structure.

[@johnbuck7538]

For those stone / concrete pillars you found: They might mark the edge of the road. You were moving the camera too much for to be sure but it look about right for the old road going up the valley.

[@wheater5]

I wonder if they are the bases for street lights?

[@andiepasdedeux6576]

@@wheater5 I thought that, too!

[@yo32ride]

There a channel on KZbin all about the people buildings and the construction of all dams and resouvours check it out ..longstonelhgroup👍👍