Above: The approach to Lamaload at 17 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: 9.4mls | Av. time: 4.30hrs | Ascent: 1575ft
Start: Smithy Lane, Rainow | Google Map
Walk description, map & GPX | Download
A 9.4-mile circular walk from Rainow – one of the longest in the series. It’s not strictly in the Goyt Valley, but it’s not far away, just below the western side of The Tors ridge between Pym Chair and Shining Tor.
The walk starts from Smithy Lane, behind the Robin Hood pub. Parking along the road soon fills on sunny days, but there’s often space elsewhere in the village. You can also start from Pym Chair, or the small car park beside Lamaload Reservoir, though it has been closed in the past.
The route heads across farmland, following signs towards Jenkin Chapel, before crossing open moorland to the evocative ruins of Thursbitch Farm, which feature in Alan Garner’s novel Thursbitch.
Lamaload Reservoir
It then crosses more farmland and moorland to reach Lamaload Reservoir – a perfect half-way stop to rest awhile and take in the views. You can shorten the walk here by following the orange dashes on the pdf map back towards Rainow.
The return passes the remains of an ancient piece of farm machinery and crosses the Gritstone Trail, before following a series of field paths back down to the village.
The Robin Hood, with its large outdoor seating area, is an ideal spot for refreshments at the end of the walk.
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.
