Above: The attractive path down to the southern tip of Fernilee Reservoir between points 9 & 10 on the map.
Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.
Length: 3.3mls | Av. time: 1.30hrs | Ascent: 331ft
Start: The Valentine parking | Google Map
Walk description, map & GPX | Download
A 3.3-mile circular walk from the small car park at the northern tip of Fernilee Reservoir, at the foot of The Valentine. You can also start from The Street car park at the southern end, joining the route at point 8 on the pdf map.
The walk crosses the dam on the track of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway – beneath the water to the left lie the ruins of a gunpowder mill – before climbing to a wide, mile-long gravel track through the trees.
Forestry England has cleared many of the fir trees here to let natural woodland flourish, opening up wonderful views across the valley.
Back along the shore
An attractive footpath then drops down past the site of Errwood Farm, which Samuel Grimshawe used while overseeing the building of Errwood Hall. It later became a youth hostel.
The return follows the shoreline path – once the main route through the valley from Goyt’s Bridge to Whaley Bridge via the gunpowder mill – with benches and lovely views across the water.
Alternatively, you can return along the old railway track on the eastern side of the reservoir – see the orange dashes on the map.
Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.
Route photos
Stages 1-6 of the route. Click any to enlarge and scroll through.
Relive video
Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. More Goyt Valley Relives.
