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Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir

3.73 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy some lovely waterside walking along these two reservoirs in the Goyt Valley area of the Peak District. The walk starts from the Erwood Hall Car Park at the southern end of Erwood Reservoir but you could also start the walk at Buxton and follow the Midshires Way to the reservoirs. The route follows good footpaths along the western side of the two reservoirs before following the River Goyt to Fernilee. You can return the same way or follow the Midshires Way through the woodland above the reservoirs. It's a beautiful area with the water surrounded by attractive woodland and the river feeding into Fernilee Reservoir at the northern end.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could explore the Errwood Estate with its old ruined hall and peaceful woodland with azaleas and rhododendrons. The Shining Tor and Cats Tor Walk starts from the same location so you could climb these hills to extend your walking. They offer wonderful views of the Cheshire Plain, Winter Hill, the city of Manchester and Jodrell Bank.

Postcode

SK17 6GJ  - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Shady Oak Country Inn is located just north of the reservoirs at Fernilee. The friendly pub has a good menu and outdoor seating for the warmer months. You can find it at postcode SK23 7HD for your sat navs.
There's also The White Hart pub on Market St in Whaley Bridge (postcode SK23 7HN). It's a popular and friendly pub with a beer garden overlooking the stream.
The Cock is another really good option and can be found on Buxton Road at postcode SK23 7JE. It has a nice interior and a beer garden to relax in.

Dog Walking

The reservoirs and the surrounding woodland are great for dog walking. There are some nesting birds in the summer months so you are requested to please keep them on a short lead at this time. The Shady Oak Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly. They have part of the main bar/restaurant area reserved for dogs and their owners.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just a couple of miles to the west there's a nice circular trail to follow around Lamaload Reservoir. There's easy waterside paths and pleasant woodland trails in this quiet area.
A few miles to the north east of the site there's Combs Reservoir near Chapel en le Frith. Here you can also enjoy some splendid rock formations and an excellent viewpoint at Castle Naze. The Promontory fort on Combs Edge commands fine views to the surrounding Peak District hills.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Peak District Walks and the Cheshire Walks pages.

Photos

Forestry above Errwood Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 701719

Forestry viewed from across the Errwood Reservoir.

Errwood Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 22539

Errwood Reservoir.  This reservoir is created by a dam just to the left of the picture and downstream from the Goyt Valley shot There is a sailing club located near the dam.

View over moorland running down to Errwood Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1778626

View over moorland running down to Errwood Reservoir

Across Errwood Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1295348

Across Errwood Reservoir

Looking down Fernilee Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1411911

Looking down Fernilee Reservoir. This the view of the eservoir is taken from the Errwood Dam.

Looking back along the Waterside Walk - geograph.org.uk - 1411927

Looking back along the Waterside Walk. This is a very popular footpath that runs alongside Fernilee Reservoir. In places it is possible to see cobbles, therefore it was probably one of the roads leading to Goyt's Bridge: a small, but thriving, village that was covered when the two reservoirs were built.

The River Goyt where it leaves Fernilee Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 1704085

The River Goyt where it leaves Fernilee Reservoir. This photo is taken from the dam.

Goyt Valley - geograph.org.uk - 32516

The view across Fernilee Reservoir from the layby on Long Hill, between Buxton and Whaley Bridge

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)