Errwood Reservoir and Shining Tor

Not Quite Tier 3

Yes folks, today is the last day I can leave Greater Manchester until who knows when, so I thought I’d go for a well-known classic upland walk in the Goyt Valley, parts of which I have walked before, but some bits that are new to me.

Travel time 40 minutes each way.

Walk time of 3.5 hours including a short lunch stop .

Shining Tor, at 1833ft, 559m, is the highest point in Cheshire.

The walk is 7.6 miles, and there is a total ascent of 1387ft, 423m. It’s a steady climb over the first half of the walk, and then it’s pretty much downhill all the way back!

This is a great walk for those with dogs – plenty of opportunity for them to roam free and explore, and no livestock at all.

Weather – cloudy and very windy along The Tors

Ordnance survey Explorer Map OL24

Parking – in the car park by the dam at Errwood Reservoir.

Errwood Reservoir

Errwood Reservoir, together with the lower Fernilee Reservoir, were created in the Upper Goyt Valley by Stockport Water Corporation. It was completed in 1967. I am always extremely careful not to pollute the area, as this water may end up coming out of my taps in a few weeks time!

Forestry

The area is owned by United Utilities, and the timber is clearly commercially forested as was evident as I started my walk up the road known as The Street.

There is soon a path alongside the road, and as I walked along, there was this week’s bird of the day, a male stonechat perched on the fence.

Pym Chair

As I reached the viewpoint and car park at Pym Chair, and turn left along the path signposted to Shining Tor the views are impressive.

Todd Brook flows north into the Toddbrook Reservoir, briefly famous a couple of years ago when the dam started to collapse and Whaley Bridge had to be evacuated.

The long and winding road continues. Who ever came up onto these sodden moors and builr these paths deserves a medal!

The Summit of Shining Tor

It turns out I was not alone on this windswept venture. I had a nice chat with Rob and Sebastian from Manchester, who were taking advantage of half term and the last chance to leave the Tier 3 Zone before tomorrow.

For John and Kelly, no such restraints, as they are Cheshire residents!

And I can never resist a selfie at a trig point!

The Descent

Descending to the east soon provided shelter from the strong west wind, and softer views through wooded slopes, with a first view of the re-emerging Errwood Reservoir.

River Goyt

By the time it reaches Stockport, to merge with the Tame to form the River Mersey, the Goyt is a grand, broad river, but here in its headwaters it is a pleasant brook, and ideal picnic spot. I too stopped for lunch

Strange Silver Birch

Does anyone know what this phenomenon is?

The path now wends its way around the valley above the east bank of the reservoir. Autumn colours were prominent along here.

Is this Hotel California?

Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light…..

A great view back up the reservoir to finish the walk before the rain arrives!

And finally….

I always finish with a tune, usually one of my favourites. However, as I successfully cast my net out to find new followers from past acquaintances, I thought I should come up with a tune that will evoke memories for anyone who hung around with me when I was 15 /16. If you went to Fairhaven Youth Club, this would have got you on your feet on many occasions!