Errwood Reservoir
1 / 11

Errwood Reservoir

4.8
·125 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene reservoir in the Peak District, offering scenic walks, historical ruins, and stunning views from nearby Shining Tor.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Errwood Reservoir

Errwood Reservoir

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene reservoir in the Peak District, offering scenic walks, historical ruins, and stunning views from nearby Shining Tor.

4.8
(125 reviews)

"Beautiful place for walks and beautiful scenery, well worth the trip."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Parking Available

Park near the sailing club (SK17 6GJ) for free, just a short walk to the reservoir.

♻️ Pack Out Your Rubbish

No bins or cafes on site. Please take all your litter with you to keep it beautiful.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Errwood Hall Ruins

Errwood Hall Ruins

Southern end of the reservoir

Explore the atmospheric remnants of a grand Victorian manor, offering a glimpse into the past.

Shining Tor Summit

Shining Tor Summit

North of the reservoir

Hike to the highest point in the area for breathtaking panoramic views of the Peak District.

Goyt Valley Trails

Goyt Valley Trails

Surrounding the reservoir

Wander through diverse landscapes, from woodland paths to open moorland, with varied walking routes.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Wildfires

Errwood Reservoir is popular, especially on weekends. Arrive early to snag free parking near the sailing club and enjoy quieter trails. Be aware of potential wildfire risks, especially during dry spells, and follow local guidance.

Explore Beyond the Dam

While the dam offers great views, don't miss the ruins of Errwood Hall and the surrounding Goyt Valley. These areas provide a richer historical and natural experience, with varied terrains for all walking levels.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Spectacular tree colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A much needed break. Walking around Dove Stone Reservoir was a true reminder of the peace in nature and God's beautiful creation🤍#nature #dovestonesreservoir #peakdistrictnationalpark #godscreation #manchester
@benedetta.charless
82.9K likes • 1.7M views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Park near the sailing club (SK17 6GJ) for free, just a short walk to the reservoir. Reddit

♻️ Pack Out Your Rubbish

No bins or cafes on site. Please take all your litter with you to keep it beautiful. Reddit

Those who know.... know #fh4 #derwentreservoir #peakdistrict
@boostedsnorlax
36.5K likes • 252.4K views
Nowt like a nice long hike on a Sunday! 20.5km covered l, including Goyt Valley, shining tor, St Josephs shrine, windgather rocks and Errwood Reservoir, the wild fires have caused some terrible damage we walked the path between it all but unknowing to us untill we was far into the moors we didn’t relise part of the wood land was still on fire we also didnt know that the path was closed till we had...
zoe_mallard
23 likes • 589 views

👟 Varied Terrain

Expect a mix of road, off-road, and wild paths, from flat to steep. Good walking shoes are a must! Reddit

💧 Reservoir Levels

When low, you can see old village remains and artifacts. Reddit

Wonderful birthday wander around a super low Errwood Reservoir. Fed by the River Goyt, the reservoir is suffering, but it allowed us to have a bit of a poke around... and I wasn't disappointed. Quite a bit of 17th and early 17th century material, with very little later, and seemingly below a house platform. I suspect a house founded here in, say, 1600, and then demolished in 1800? There was also ...
timcampbellgreen
23 likes • 583 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

Park near the sailing club (SK17 6GJ) for free, just a short walk to the reservoir. Reddit

♻️ Pack Out Your Rubbish

No bins or cafes on site. Please take all your litter with you to keep it beautiful. Reddit

👟 Varied Terrain

Expect a mix of road, off-road, and wild paths, from flat to steep. Good walking shoes are a must! Reddit

💧 Reservoir Levels

When low, you can see old village remains and artifacts. Reddit

🔥 Wildfire Awareness

Be mindful of fire risks, especially in dry conditions. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(125 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Errwood Reservoir for its beautiful scenery and fantastic walking opportunities, particularly around the reservoir and into the Goyt Valley. The ruins of Errwood Hall are a highlight, and the free parking is a definite plus. Some note the lack of facilities like toilets or cafes, and advise bringing your own provisions.

"A little bit empty at moment but still some great walking around it."

Steve Livesley

"Beautiful place for walks and beautiful scenery. There's are several free parking areas. Take your own food and please take your rubbish back with you. Amazing scenery when driving to and from the reservoir."

Robila C

"Fantastic walk around the reservoir and the surrounding hills and Goyt Valley. Well worth the trip.

The is a mix of road, off road and pure wild terrains to explore along with fairly flat to steep walks (nothing close to a mountain tho!)

The scenes are there to be had."

Daniel Alexander

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Great walking trails
Errwood Hall ruins

What People Dislike

No toilets/cafes
Can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Errwood Reservoir is easily accessible by car. The postcode SK17 6GJ will guide you towards the sailing club, where free parking is available along the road. Reddit It's located in the quiet western Peaks, near the Goyt Valley. Instagram

Public transport options are limited. While buses may serve nearby towns like Buxton, a car is generally recommended for the most convenient access to Errwood Reservoir and its surrounding trails. TikTok

The reservoir offers a mix of terrains, including roads, off-road paths, and wilder trails. Ordnance Survey maps are helpful for longer hikes, and many visitors enjoy following routes up to Shining Tor. Instagram+1

Buxton is a nearby market town offering amenities and a good starting point for exploring the Peak District. Instagram

Yes, the drive to and from the reservoir offers amazing scenery, making the journey itself part of the experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Errwood Reservoir is free to enter and explore. There are also several free parking areas available. Reddit

Errwood Reservoir is open to visitors year-round during daylight hours. Access is generally unrestricted, though specific facilities might have limited hours. Instagram

Tickets are not required for Errwood Reservoir as it is a public access area. Reddit

Visitors should be mindful of potential wildfire risks, especially during dry periods, and follow any local advisories. Instagram

While the reservoir itself is accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular walks include the loop around the reservoir, a hike up to Shining Tor for panoramic views, and exploring the Goyt Valley. Instagram+1 The ruins of Errwood Hall are also a must-see. Reddit

There are no public toilets or cafes directly at Errwood Reservoir. It's advisable to bring your own food, drinks, and any necessary facilities. Reddit

Expect beautiful natural scenery, including the reservoir itself, surrounding hills, woodland, and the ruins of Errwood Hall. Instagram+1

Yes, families can enjoy walks around the reservoir and exploring the ruins. An ice cream van is sometimes available in the car park, which is a treat for kids. Instagram

Absolutely! The ruins of Errwood Hall, a former Victorian manor, are a significant historical attraction. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Errwood Reservoir. You'll need to bring your own provisions or travel to nearby towns like Buxton for food options. Reddit

Picnicking is a popular activity. There are many scenic spots around the reservoir and in the Goyt Valley perfect for a packed lunch. Instagram

Occasionally, an ice cream van is present in the car park, which can be a welcome treat, especially for families. Instagram

Buxton offers a range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets. Instagram

Yes, it's highly recommended to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan on undertaking longer walks, as there are no facilities on-site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the reservoir, the ruins of Errwood Hall, panoramic views from Shining Tor, and the diverse landscapes of the Goyt Valley. Instagram+2

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for landscape photography. Weekday mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or Forestry England, as many natural areas have restrictions to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the ruins or distant hills. A sturdy tripod is beneficial for low-light conditions. Instagram

Yes, when the reservoir levels are low, you can capture unique perspectives revealing old village remains and artifacts. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Errwood Reservoir offers a fantastic day out for families. The relatively flat paths around the reservoir are great for younger children, and the ruins of Errwood Hall provide an exciting historical element to explore. Instagram Many families enjoy packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings. Instagram

For an added treat, keep an eye out for the ice cream van that sometimes visits the car park. Instagram While there are no dedicated play areas, the open spaces and natural environment provide ample opportunity for kids to explore and burn off energy. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For serious hikers, Errwood Reservoir serves as an excellent starting point for longer treks into the Peak District. The trails connect to the wider Goyt Valley network, offering diverse routes and challenging terrain. Instagram+1 The hike up to Shining Tor is a must for its rewarding panoramic views. Instagram+1

Nature lovers will appreciate the varied landscapes, from woodland to open moorland, and the chance to see the reservoir's ecosystem. Be prepared for mixed weather conditions and always carry a map and compass for more extensive explorations. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Errwood Reservoir is a photographer's dream, offering a range of subjects from serene water reflections to dramatic hill vistas. The ruins of Errwood Hall add a touch of historical charm, perfect for atmospheric shots. Instagram The changing light throughout the day, especially during golden hour, can create stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and capture unobstructed views. When the reservoir levels are low, unique shots revealing submerged village remnants can be captured. InstagramReddit A wide-angle lens is ideal for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture details of the ruins or distant peaks. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Ruins of Errwood Hall

The atmospheric ruins of Errwood Hall, a grand Victorian manor, are a key attraction for visitors. Built in the mid-19th century, the hall was eventually demolished in the 1930s, leaving behind evocative remnants that hint at its former glory. Exploring these stone structures offers a tangible connection to the area's history and provides excellent photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Many visitors, including families, enjoy discovering the hall's remains as part of their walk. The site is located on the southern side of the reservoir, easily accessible via walking paths. It's a poignant reminder of the past and adds a layer of intrigue to the natural beauty of the reservoir. Instagram

Hiking and Walking Routes

Errwood Reservoir is a haven for walkers, offering a variety of trails to suit different fitness levels. The most popular route is the circular walk around the reservoir itself, providing lovely views of the water and surrounding landscape. Reddit For those seeking more challenge and expansive vistas, a hike up to Shining Tor is highly recommended. This offers some of the best panoramic views in the Peak District. Instagram+2

The Goyt Valley, which encompasses Errwood Reservoir, provides a diverse network of paths. You can traverse woodland, open moorland, and follow the river. Some trails are well-maintained, while others are more rugged, offering a true sense of adventure. Instagram+2 Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be mixed, including road, off-road, and wild paths. Reddit

Environmental Considerations

Errwood Reservoir, like many natural landscapes, faces environmental challenges. Recent years have seen concerns about low water levels, which, while revealing historical remnants, also highlight the impact of drought. InstagramReddit Furthermore, the area has experienced moorland fires, underscoring the importance of visitor caution. Instagram

Visitors are strongly urged to be mindful of fire risks, especially during dry periods, and to adhere to any local guidance or restrictions. The Peak District National Park is a precious environment, and responsible tourism is key. This includes taking all litter home, as there are no bins or facilities on-site, helping to preserve the natural beauty for everyone. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2