Fernilee Reservoir Walk

Here are 4 great Fernilee Reservoir walks.

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Here is a walking route map for the first Fernilee Reservoir walk.

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These Fernilee Reservoir walks start at grid reference: 53.277825,-1.980997

Fernilee Reservoir walk
3.25 miles

This lovely easy going walk takes you right around Fernilee Reservoir, the lower of the two reservoirs in the Goyt Valley and is perfect for the whole family (unfortunately though not suitable for pushchairs). The draw of this walk is the combination of waterside, picturesque scenery and peaceful woodland. For refreshments, visit the famous Cat & Fiddle Inn, perched high on the moors beside the Buxton to Macclesfield Road or there is a pub at Fernilee. The terrain is mainly easy with a few rougher sections, a few steps but no stiles and a short moderate climb towards the end of the walk.

Fernilee Reservoir and woodland walk
4.5 miles

This walk is a slight extension to Walk 1. Again it’s an easy walk around Fernilee Reservoir, firstly through the delightful woods but then travels further north following countryside paths and woodland trails. Eventually you will arrive at a small footbridge and cross the concrete bridge over the River Goyt. The second half of this walk takes you firstly on the beautiful riverside path which gives wonderful scenery all around you. Finally you will follow the peaceful track alongside the reservoir to take you back to your start point. For refreshments, visit the famous Cat & Fiddle Inn, perched high on the moors beside the Buxton to Macclesfield Road or there is a pub at Fernilee. The terrain is mainly easy with more rough sections than walk 1 and has steps, stiles and some moderate climbs. It may be muddy after rain.

Errwood Reservoir walk
5.5 miles

If you would like to extend your Fernilee Reservoir walk even further to make an epic route, this easy and enjoyable walk is around Errwood Reservoir to the south of Fernilee Reservoir. If you do this walk on a fine day - take your time, there are plenty of wonderful places to stop for a picnic on route. You will travel alongside the reservoir, take a slight detour to visit the ruins of Errwood Hall and then continue on a picturesque track above the river in the beautiful Goyt Valley. After crossing the pretty packhorse bridge across the river, the walk becomes more open and wild. You will have some wonderful views of the countryside and the reservoir to enjoy as you walk, rest or play! As you walk along the road between the two reservoirs and take in the view you can imagine the old small hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge that lies under the water! For refreshments, visit the famous Cat & Fiddle Inn, perched high on the moors beside the Buxton to Macclesfield Road or there is a pub at Fernilee. Parts of the walk may get muddy after rain and there is a small amount of walking on the road (which is quiet with grassy verges).

Fernilee Reservoir and Taxal Edge
7.5 miles

This walk takes in a higher route above Fernilee Reservoir and is both longer and more challenging than the other walks. After a short climb, the walk travels downhill through delightful woodland above the reservoir. From here the path takes you on quite a long steep climb up to the ridge of Taxal Edge. Your reward will be breathtaking views, so take time to enjoy! Following this is a very steep descent back down to lower ground to the hamlet of Taxal and its pretty church. The final leg of the walk takes you along the very peaceful and scenic bank of the River Goyt and then the woodland path besides the Fernilee Reservoir. For refreshments, visit the famous Cat & Fiddle Inn, perched high on the moors beside the Buxton to Macclesfield Road or there is a pub at Fernilee. Good footwear is essential. There are steps, stiles and fords to cross and you will need to take great care after wet weather as the paths will be slippery.