Shining Tor and Errwood Reservoir loop from Whaley Bridge (14.5 miles)
Details
We’ll start from Whaley Bridge and make our way to the Shining Tor trig point above the Goyt Valley. We then descend through the Goyt Valley, stopping by the Errwood Hall ruins and along the River Goyt.
The Goyt Valley is one of my favourite places in the Peaks and a great spot for late spring and early summer.
📍 Meeting Location & Time
- Meeting Location: Whaley Bridge Railway Station, Car Park
- Link to What3words: https://what3words.com/waggled.meanders.chop
- Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9QwK2BMJhALLD8LA
- Meeting Time: 09:35 AM
- Start Time: 09:45 AM
🥾 Walk Overview
- Distance: 14.5 miles (23.3 km)
- Elevation Gain: ~2025 ft (617 m)
- Duration: about 7 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Circular
- Walk Leader: Ben
🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements
This is a long walk with a decent ascent, best suited for those with good fitness and in sound physical condition. You should be comfortable maintaining a steady pace throughout.
⛰️ Route Highlights
- Toddbrook Reservoir
- Windgather Rocks
- Cats Tor
- Shining Tor
- Errwood Hall Ruins
- Errwood Reservoir
- Fernilee Reservoir
- Goyt Valley
📲 Route Links
🚆 Public Transport
- direct trains from/to Manchester
- direct trains from/to Buxton
🚉 Traveling by train from Sheffield
If you are traveling by train to or from Sheffield, please note that there are no direct trains. You will need to change trains at either Stockport or New Mills stations.
Consider purchasing the Derbyshire Wayfarer rover ticket — a daily pass costing £17 that allows unlimited travel within Derbyshire and nearby areas, including Sheffield. Read more here and here.
If you use the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket and change at New Mills, be aware that you will need to walk about 10 minutes between New Mills Central and New Mills Newtown stations (and vice versa).
Important: Do not follow the route suggested by Google Maps — there is a quicker shortcut.
🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be very changeable, windy, and cool in spring. Please wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to adjust to changing conditions: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers are recommended.
Useful links for weather forecasts:
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
- Enough food and water for the whole day
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- A comfortable backpack
- Optional: gloves (for cooler mornings), hiking poles, hat, sunscreen, camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded
🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.
📢 Notes
- The route is planned via Komoot and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
- This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if the weather is unsafe — updates will be posted in the comments section, so enable email notifications.
📌 Bookings
- Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
- If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.
⛑️ Disclaimer
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.
📬 Questions?
Feel free to comment below or message the organiser privately.