Whaley Bridge & the Goyt Valley

Welcome to Freshwalks. This classic hike event is part of our own vibrant business community programme and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of hiking and networking in the great outdoors. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company.

Route description

This circular hike starts and finishes in Whaley Bridge, heading south from the town centre on steady paths into open moorland. The route climbs past the striking gritstone edges of Windgather Rocks, offering wide views back across the High Peak, before continuing to the summit of Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire. From here, the descent leads into the tranquil Goyt Valley, following tracks and woodland paths past the waters of Errwood Reservoir. The return continues alongside Fernilee Reservoir, with peaceful valley scenery and gentle gradients, before bringing you back into Whaley Bridge.

Route: Whaley Bridge - Windgather Rocks - Cat's Tor - Shining Tor - Goyt Forest - Errwood Reservoir - Fernilee Reservoir - Whaley Bridge

Distance: 19.5km

Grade: Hard (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 559m / Total ascent: 616m

Proposed schedule:

09:30 - Meeting, Whaley Bridge station

09:45 - Walk starts

12:30 - Picnic stop en-route (please bring a packed lunch)

16:00 - Walk finishes, Whaley Bridge

Walk leader: Michael Di Paola

Meeting location: Whaley Bridge station, Market Street, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, SK23 7AA https://w3w.co/heave.whisk.tour

The Bridge Bakehouse across the road should be open from 07:00 and looks a good pre-hike option for coffee or breakfast (42A Market St, Whaley Bridge, High Peak SK23 7LP

Parking: Car park at the station and additional free parking 3 mins walk away at Canal Street, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 7LX

Public transport: 09:06 train from Stockport to arrive in Whaley Bridge 09:36 (please note that Manchester Piccadilly train station will be closed and a rail replacement bus will be in service)

Toilets: Public toilets close to Whaley Bridge station open from 08:00.