Goyt Valley Walks
The Goyt Valley is an excellent place for walks with fine riverside trails along the Rivers Goyt and Etherow. There's also a number of pretty reservoirs and splendid views of the Peak District hills.
This walk takes you through the beautiful valley from Stockport to Hadfield along the waymarked Etherow Goyt Valley Way. If you'd like to explore the Upper Goyt Valley then see the Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir Walk. This will take you along two lovely reservoirs near Whaley Bridge.
This path starts in Vernon and Woodbank Park on the River Goyt in Stockport and follows the river to Etherow Country Park near Marple. This is a lovely section with a reservoir, woodland and a variety of wildlife to enjoy. The walk then joins the River Etherow following it to Broadbottom and then onto Bottoms Reservoir in Hadfield.
There is a challenging climb near Broadbottom on this route but with fantastic views over the surrounding area.
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Etherow Goyt Valley Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Etherow Goyt Valley Way Open Street Map 
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Etherow Goyt Valley Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Etherow Goyt Valley Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Just above Bottoms Reservoir in the little village of Tintwistle you'll find the excellent Bull's Head. The 16th century pub does very good food and has a nice cosy fire for winter days. You can easily find the pub in the village at a postcode of SK13 1JY for your sat navs. It's a great place to stop on the route and also very dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.
In Etherow Country Park the on site cafe is a nice place for a pit stop. You can sit outside here and enjoy views over the park's lake with its variety of wildfowl.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Near Bottoms Reservoir you can pick up the Longdendale Trail, a shared cycling and walking trail which takes you along a series of pretty reservoirs.
The Goyt Way also takes you along the River Goyt through the valley. It also includes more waterside walking along the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal.
Just north of Etherow Country Park the trail skirts the edge of Werneth Low Country Park. The park includes a splendid hill top viewpoint with excellent views over the valley, Greater Manchester and the Pennine Hills. There's also a fine parkside pub for refreshments.
For a climb in the area see the Shining Tor and Cats Tor Walk page. There's excellent views over the valley from the viewpoint. In this area you'll also find some easy waterside walking around Lamaload Reservoir, Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir.
Near Marple you could take a small detour to explore the historic Chadkirk Country Estate in Romiley. There's a noteworthy 16th century chapel, a little cafe and a walled garden to enjoy here.
The trail is coincident with the Tameside Trail around Broadbottom. The 30 mile circular walk explores several of the highlights of the River Tame Valley.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Etherow Country Park. View of the bridge and weir over the river in the park. The weir was constructed in the early 19th century to impound water to power mills at Compstall. The incongruously modern bridge, complete with footways, was constructed in 2006 to replace an earlier structure.
The River Etherow flows through Compstall as it nears its confluence with the River Goyt near Marple in Greater Manchester. Compstall Mills were established in the 1820s by George Andrew I & II, who modified the river to provide a reservoir to drive their mills. Much of the Etherow valley is now included in the Etherow Country Park.
River Goyt, Stockport. Here the River Goyt flows between Pear Mill, this square, and Vernon Park.
The Goyt Valley boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna across its diverse landscapes. The valley encompasses ancient woodlands, open moorlands, and serene water bodies, each supporting a unique array of wildlife.
In the broadleaved woodlands, especially vibrant during late spring and early summer, visitors can observe birds such as redstarts, chiffchaffs, and both wood and willow warblers. These areas also provide habitat for blackbirds, song and mistle thrushes, nuthatches, treecreepers, wrens, robins, great spotted woodpeckers, and jays. The understorey is adorned with native shrubs and seasonal wildflowers, creating a lively environment for various invertebrates.
A view of Pear Mill, Stockport. Located near the start of the walk at Vernon Park. The Pear motif not only adorns the main tower, but also the corner turrets and many other locations. The name comes from a farm which occupied part of the site. Impressive as this building is, the original plan was for a 'double-fronted' mill, twice the size of what exists; the main tower would have been in the centre of the facade. The building is fully occupied and is in generally very good order.
Errwood Reservoir in the Upper Goyt Valley. From above the ruins of Errwood hall. Long Hill is in the distance.
The moorlands, particularly east of Errwood Reservoir, are characterised by heather and native grasses. This habitat supports species such as red grouse, meadow pipits, curlews, and snipes. Occasionally, merlins may be spotted. The area is also important for upland breeding birds, including golden plovers, lapwings, whinchats, twites, and ring ouzels.
Fernilee Reservoir. Taken from the path alongside the reservoir which also once carried the Cromford and High Peak Railway, a marvel in railway construction.
Near the water bodies, common sandpipers can be seen along the shores, while mandarin ducks and little ringed plovers frequent the southern end of Errwood Reservoir. The riverbanks and reservoirs attract dippers and grey wagtails, indicating healthy aquatic ecosystems. Ospreys have been observed fishing over Errwood Reservoir, highlighting the valley's significance as a feeding ground for these majestic birds.
View southeast over Etherow Goyt Valley. Mammals in the valley include weasels, hares, and red deer, though sightings are occasional. Reptiles such as viviparous lizards inhabit the area, and amphibians like European toads and common frogs are present in suitable wetland habitats.
The Etherow Goyt Valley Way from the Longdendale Trail
Elevation Profile
