7: The Rhododendrons

Above: To follow…

Length: 1.9mls | Av. time: 1hr
Start: Errwood Hall car park

I recorded this walk to capture the rhododendrons that bloom so magnificently in June*. But it’s a really enjoyable walk at any time of year. It starts from the bridge beside Errwood Hall car park. After passing the ruins of Errwood Hall, it heads up an old track alongside Shooter’s Clough Valley.

There are some wonderful views all along the walk, especially from the top of the ridge. From here, it’s a short walk down the slope back to the car park. But it’s also easy to extend the walk by turning right at the top of the ridge, and then right again along a clearly marked path to Shining Tor, and perhaps even further to Pym Chair (see walk 8).

*Update: Forestry England, which manages the Goyt Valley on behalf of United Utilities, recently cut down many of the rhododendrons surrounding Errwood Hall because of a virus carried by the plant which damages larch trees.