Taxal Edge, Jenkin Chapel & Pym Chair from Errwood Reservoir Dam
Peak District Walk
Nat Park - Peak District - Goyt Valley Lyme Park
County/Area - Derbyshire & Cheshire
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 8.5 miles / 13.8 km Ascent - 1200 feet / 364 metres
Time - 5 hours 30 minutes Grade - moderate
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL24 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 119 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 119 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Click image to see photo description.
The Goyt Valley and surrounding area is a popular place for walking. Errwood and Fernilees reservoirs add interest to the valleys contrasting with the wilder upland on either side of the valley. The area to the west of the valley lies in Cheshire and the landscape is a far cry from the stereotype of this county.
This Peak District walk starts in the car park at the southern end of Errwood Reservoir (grid ref. SK012748). After parking make your way to the shores of the reservoir and turn left. Keeping the water on your right continue along the shore following the road towards the dam. On reaching the dam drop down to the left and descend to the shores of Fernilee Reservoir. The path initially follows the western shore of this reservoir before ascending through the trees to a higher level.
Reaching the end of the dam (grid ref. Sk012776) bear left and follow the clear path to Madscar Farm (grid ref. SK010783). Here turn left and follow the path into Mill Clough. Follow the path keeping left at two junctions as you follow the Midshires Way, which you leave shortly before Overton Hall Farm. Pass to the south side of this farm and continue to climb onto Taxal Edge (grid ref. SJ996788) from where you have some wonderful views over this part of the Peak District National Park.
Once on Taxal Edge continue straight ahead and follow the lane descending to Five Lane Ends (grid ref. SJ992786). At this junction continue straight ahead following the lane towards Tunstall Knoll Farm. Where the lane turns right towards the farm, continue ahead towards Dunge Farm and Green Stack (grid ref. SJ988768). Turn west here to follow the path to Jenkin Chapel (grid ref. SJ983765).
Turn right along the lane and climb steeply in places back onto the ridge near Pym Chair (grid ref. SJ995767). The latter stages of this section are quite steep but the effort is rewarded by improving view. Once the summit has been reached there are many spots to rest and enjoy the panorama over the highest land in Cheshire.
To continue follow the lane descending east towards the Goyt Valley. Again you have some fine views ahead. Leave the lane and turn right (grid ref SK002760) keeping to the crest of Foxlow Edge. The path is clear and follows the ridge for some way before dropping down into the valley. Continue along the valley path to reach the ruins of Errwood Hall from where it is a short walk back to the start.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2576 | Fernilee Reservoir, Goyt Valley | easy | 6.0 miles |
Walk 3510 | Shining Tor, Cats Tor & Foxlow Edge | easy/mod | 7.0 miles |
Walk 1183 | Shining Tor & Axe Edge Moor | moderate | 9.0 miles |
Walk 1728 | Axe Edge Moor & Three Shires Head | easy/mod | 7.2 miles |
Walk 3136 | Shining Tor & Goyt's Clough | easy/mod | 5.1 miles |
Walk 1233 | Shining Tor & Windgather Rocks | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Walk 2527 | Kettleshulme & Taxal Edge from Lamaload | moderate | 10.0 miles |
Walk 1652 | Three Shires Head | easy | 4.5 miles |
Walk 2233 | Flash & Three Shires Head | easy/mod | 6.2 miles |
Walk 2272 | Flash Circular from Cistern Clough | moderate | 8.0 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in Derbyshire
Walking guidebook to 60 circular day walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Includes the Derwent, Wye and Trent river valleys, near Derby, Matlock, Glossop, Bakewell and Ripley. Routes range from easy to moderate and are between 4 and 14km (2 to 10 miles). Walks focus on places of interest, from Stone Age forts to castles to grand estates.
More information
Great Mountain Days in the Pennines
An inspirational guidebook to 50 classic walks on the rolling Pennine landscape. The graded routes, between 6 and 13 miles in length, cover classic Pennine fells and moorland such as Whernside, Ilkley Moor and Pendle Hill; exploring the North and South Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, Howgills and Dark Peak. Many routes are also suited to fell running.
More information
Mountain Weather
Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.