Tucked away in the heart of the Peak District, Ladybower Reservoir is a place of natural beauty with serene waters and awe-inspiring landscapes. But beyond its tranquil exterior, there is an eerie reputation that has surrounded the reservoir for decades. Could Ladybower Reservoir be hiding darker, otherworldly secrets? Let’s explore together.
History
Constructed between 1935 and 1943, the reservoir was designed to supply drinking water to the industrial towns of Sheffield and Derby. Its creation led to the flooding of several villages, including the small settlements of Ashopton and Derwent which are both submerged beneath the water. The spire from the Derwent church is still visible when the water is low. This history of displacement has given rise to some of the most unsettling paranormal claims associated with the site and many paranormal tales are tied to the lost villages beneath the waters.
Ghostly Villagers
People claim to have seen shadows drifting across the water, glimpses of buildings that no longer exist, and even ghostly apparitions of villagers from the past. These spirits are said to be the souls of the people who once lived in the flooded villages, their lives disrupted by the construction of the reservoir.
In particular, some stories revolve around the people who were forced to abandon their homes and land. Local legend suggests that many of them died in anguish, never truly coming to terms with the loss of their community. Their spirits, unable to find peace, are said to roam the shores of the reservoir, forever tied to the water that claimed their homes.
The Ladybower Phantom
One of the most well-known ghost stories surrounding Ladybower Reservoir involves a mysterious apparition often referred to as the “Ladybower Phantom.” Witnesses describe a woman dressed in dark, Victorian-style clothing, seen wandering along the banks of the reservoir at dusk. She is often spotted near the spot where the old village of Ashopton once stood. Unlike the other ghostly villagers The Ladybower Phantom appears as a solid looking full-bodied apparition. So solid in fact that many people didn’t even realise that she was a spirit until she vanished right before their eyes. The Ladybower Phantom is thought to be a woman who lost her life during the time of the reservoir’s construction. Some versions of the story suggest she was a grieving mother searching for her lost child, while others claim she was a widow who drowned in the reservoir after the loss of her husband. In any case, her presence continues to haunt the area, and she is often described as a sorrowful figure whose cries can be heard when the wind blows across the water.
Other Phenomena
Visitors to Ladybower Reservoir have also reported hearing strange, unexplainable sounds whilst walking near the water’s edge. From disembodied footsteps to the sound of voices carried by the wind, these eerie noises have left many wondering if the spirits of the lost villages are trying to communicate from beyond the grave. On quiet, still evenings, some claim to hear the distinct sound of church bells ringing in the distance, despite no churches being anywhere near the reservoir with the exception of Derwent church which is deep under the water. Others report hearing faint whispers or voices calling their names, though no one is around. These unsettling occurrences have fuelled the belief that the reservoir is a hotbed for paranormal activity, with spirits still lingering, tethered to the site after death.
Boleswood Bridge
Another particularly spooky location within the Ladybower Reservoir area is Boleside Bridge, a small, stone structure that crosses the reservoir’s waters. Known for its gloomy, atmospheric appearance, the bridge has become a popular spot for paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers. Legend has it that the bridge is haunted by a man who drowned in the reservoir under mysterious circumstances. His apparition is said to appear on foggy nights, wandering the bridge in search of those who might have witnessed his untimely death. Some claim to have seen his shadowy figure near the bridge, while others have heard the sound of footsteps following them in the mist. There have even been reports of people seeing just a ghostly pair of legs wandering across the stone as the spirit appears as a partial-bodied apparition.
Phantom Planes
Another strange phenomena that has been witnessed are phantom aircraft flying above the water. During the Second World War the ‘Dambuster’ squadron used the reservoir to test the ‘bouncing bomb’ in preparation of their famous raid on the Ruhr dams. To this day there are reports of a ghostly Lancaster Bomber aeroplane that speeds over water and out of sight. The plane is believed to be the spectral apparition of ‘Vicky the Vicious Virgin’, which crashed during a routine training flight on May 18th 1945 killing all six crew members on board. What makes this particularly interesting is that other eye witness accounts identified the aircraft as a United States Air Force Dakota when shown pictures. Unbelievably just two months after the Lancaster crash a Dakota also came down in almost the same spot killing all eight crew members on board. Most eye witness accounts claim to have seen strange lights in the sky or even heard the loud sound of a low flying plane but there are a few that claim to have seen the aircraft’s as full apparitions. One man however, saw a plane nosediving in a fireball before crashing. He called the police but no wreckage or reports of missing aircraft were ever discovered.
Paranormal Investigations
Many groups have taken to Ladybower Reservoir to conduct investigations. During them many people report sensing a feeling of unease, experiencing sudden drops in temperature, or seeing fleeting glimpses of movement in the corner of their eyes. Electromagnetic (EMF) fluctuations are also common. The combination of rich history, dramatic landscape, and the eerie stories that surround the site make Ladybower Reservoir a perfect spot for anyone looking to explore the supernatural. Beneath its peaceful exterior lies a rich history, filled with tales of loss and tragedy. Whether you believe in the stories or not, there is no denying the strange and unsettling atmosphere that pervades this remote location. From the submerged villages to the mysterious figures that roam its shores, Ladybower Reservoir remains one of the Peak District’s most haunted and intriguing sites that is sure to leave you with a sense of wonder, and perhaps, a little bit of fear, long after you’ve left its shores.
