Goyt Valley: Errwood Reservoir circular

About this walk

Errwood Reservoir circular is an easy walk with some stunning views along the way – especially enjoyable in the summer months. The first part of the walk is a mixture of road walking and woodland, however, on the far side of the reservoir it can get quite boggy after rainfall. As always ensure you have appropriate footwear.

The route takes approximately 3 hours to complete, although there is an option for a detour to visit the ruins of Errwood Hall. Once a stunning country house the building was demolished in 1934, less than 100 years after being built.

Route description

(1) From the car park head up the slope, past the information board and then take a left (keeping the stone wall to your left).

(2) Follow this track along for awhile until it eventually brings you out back on the road. Cross over to the other side and head through the gate at the side. Known as the ‘Riverside Path’ the track leads down to the River Goyt.

(3) The track leads to some steep steps which will return you to the road side again. Here take a left and walk along a short distance where you reach a bench. A good spot for a quick refreshment break and to take in the view.

(4) Take the narrow path leading down to the Packhorse Bridge. Cross over the bridge and head left heading back alongside the opposite side of Errwood Reservoir.

(5) This section of the walk gets very muddy and boggy after rainfall but all of it should be easy enough to navigate. As you continue along Errwood Reservoir will soon come back into view. Keep to the right of the stone walls and enjoy some stunning views of the reservoir.

(6) At the footpath sign follow the track down to the left towards Errwood. As you reach the foot of the track cross over the footbridge and take the track that winds around to your left. As you reach the reservoir there is another spot with benches to take in the views.

(7) Directly in front of you the path divides, take the slightly higher track and follow it around and then drop down towards the woodland. Walk up through the woodland (this can be a bit trickier if there has been bad weather and tress have fallen down). Once through the woodland area you reach the main road. Follow the road around to the left, as you reach the far side take the left turn. Follow the road all the way back to the starting point of the walk in the car park.