Taxal Edge, Jenkin Chapel and Pym Chair from Errwood Reservoir

This circular walk explores the Goyt Valley and the ridge lying the west. The route includes some steep climbs but offers excellent views throughout. Some paths may be muddy after periods of prolonged rain.

Technical sheet

n°292938

A Hartington Upper Quarter walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 11/08/16

Activity: Walking
Distance: 12.79 km
Calculated time: 4h 40
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 344 m
Vertical drop: - 345 m
Highest point: 468 m
Lowest point: 238 m

Area: Peak District
District: Hartington Upper Quarter
Start/End: N 53.27104° / W 1.98321°
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Description

(S/E) The 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.

(1) 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.

(2) 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).

(3) 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.

(4) 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(S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 290 m - Car park
1 : km 3.02 - alt. 250 m - End of the dam, bear left
2 : km 5.66 - alt. 367 m - Taxal Edge
3 : km 8.65 - alt. 336 m - Turn right
4 : km 9.9 - alt. 468 m - Summit
S/E : km 12.79 - alt. 289 m

Useful Information

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.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Clarity of route description
4.3 / 5

Clarity of route map
4.3 / 5

Walk interest
4.3 / 5

John1

25 Aug 2020 at 11:17 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 17/08/20
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Really enjoyed this walk. The route had various different interest and scenery points and was challenging enough for the hot day. It is a really well thought out walk. There are a few points where you could go wrong (as those points were not well used) so recommend paying close attention to the instructions in the middle section but also to have a good OS map to hand.

EJD 45854

26 Jul 2019 at 01:42 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 23/07/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Taxal Edge, Jenkin Chapel and Pym Chair from Errwood Reservoir

Walked with friends on a very hot day, which slowed us down a little on the steeper climbs. A walk well worth the effort for the views en route which were excellent. Our day was marred slightly by the abundance of flies due to the warm weather, the close proximity of the reservoirs and other damp areas along the route. Would choose a different time of year for a repeat walk; otherwise a very enjoyable day.

pamonks

18 Mar 2019 at 09:23 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 16/03/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good

An enjoyable walk despite the Peak District throwing all 4 seasons of weather at us in 3 hours!

LiznPat

17 Mar 2019 at 13:15 EDT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 16/02/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Enjoyed this walk, chance to see the ruins and we managed a bit of a picnic en route - this walk had some lovely views along the way and just the right length too after us having a strenuous one the day before, would thoroughly recommend it.

Other walks in the area

Fernilee Reservoir in the Goyt Valley

Departure from Hartington Upper Quarter (Derbyshire)

This relaxed walk is beautiful whatever the season with the reservoir adding to the scene.

Fernilee Reservoir

Departure from Hartington Upper Quarter (Derbyshire)

Very easy walk with a choice of well sign-posted routes through the woods on the north side of the water. Suitable for playing Gruffalo Woods with the kids! It's not worth taking scooters as the uneven ground will undoubtedly tip them off and bikes are not allowed.

Shining Tor and Axe Edge Moor

Departure from Macclesfield Forest and Wildboarclough (Cheshire East)

Shining Tor is the highest point in Cheshire and the first objective of this Peak District walk. Crossing the border into Staffordshire the walk continues across Axe Edge Moor offering excellent views. The walk uses high moorland paths for most of the way and is best saved for a clear day.

Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks from Lamaload

Departure from Rainow (Cheshire East)

This walk visits the highest point in Cheshire, Shining Tor, and continues to Windgather Rocks, which are popular with climbers. Starting from Lamaload, this route offers varied content and some great views in the high moors of Cheshire and parts of Staffordshire.

Kettleshulme & Taxal Edge from Lamaload

Departure from Rainow (Cheshire East)

The Cheshire sector of the Peak District offers a great variety of walking and this route is no exception. The route includes a section of ridge walking with a lower level return through quiet countryside to complete the walk.