Reopening of popular Peak District route delayed as works to tackle diseased trees continue

Visitors to the Derwent and Howden reservoirs in the Peak District National Park are being advised of an extension to the temporary closure of part of a road that runs around the site.

A section of the route along the western edge of the reservoirs has been closed since September to allow for management of the neighbouring woodland, ensuring its ongoing health and protecting against a strand of disease which affects larch trees.

It was hoped that the works would be completed, and the road closure lifted, by mid-December. However, a combination of additional work requested by the Forestry Commission and the recent bad weather has led to the works overrunning.

The site, which includes the reservoir and woodland, is managed by Severn Trent.

Donna Marshall, visitor experience manager at Severn Trent, said: “We are very sorry that it is necessary to extend the closure of the west track around Derwent and Howden. We know that the route is very popular, and our teams will be working hard to get the track fully reopened as soon as we can.

“The routes down the east side of Derwent and Howden, the Plugholes Trail at Ladybower Reservoir and all visitor facilities at the reservoirs remain open as normal.”

READ THIS: Derelict Chesterfield pub to be turned into apartments

The work has included the felling of some of the larch trees that grow around the reservoir, which are being replaced with a mix of native and forestry stock trees.