For our last day in the Peak District, we decided to visit the Derwent Dams, driving via the spectacular Snake Pass.  The dams are famous because they were used for the “Dam Busters” Squadron to practice low flying over water before dropping their bouncing bombs.  Derwent Dam was chosen because of its similarity to its German counterparts in the Ruhr.  Looking at the dam wall with its two iconic towers, it was easy to imagine the Lancasters roaring in, flying over the wall between the towers, and soaring skyward as fast as possible.  I can’t imagine what the locals made of it.  We walked for short distances either side of the dam, which is currently extremely low – so much so that abandoned villages are beginning to reappear as the water levels drop more and more.

We paid a quick visit to Ladybower Dam, the bottom of the three, and notable for the giant plugholes at either end of the spillway.  These are apparently spectacular when water is flowing through them, but they were bone dry today.

Finally we revisited Winnats Pass to see the gritstone crags. This time I was ready with the camera.  It was blowing a gale at the top so we stayed in the car and drove as slowly as the tailgating driver behind us would allow.

After 3 weeks in the UK, it’s time to hand back the car, board our ferry, and head for Amsterdam.