Length: 3 miles
Grade: Easy
Highlights: Fernilee dam, woodland.
Best time of year: Autumn/Winter
This short walk around Fernilee Reservoir is a great winter walk especially when other routes in the area may be very muddy. The walk can be started at any point on the loop, from the street car park, from the Whaley Bridge end of the Reservoir and also from Bunsal Cob. The route described below is from the street car park.
From the street car park head across the Errwood dam between the two reservoirs in the direction of the sailing club you can see across the reservoir. When you have crossed the dam do not turn towards the sailing club but follow the road around to the left where you will see a track leading off to the left protected by a barrier, head steeply downhill following this track and before long you will reach the level banks of Fernilee Reservoir. Along this section with views over the reservoir to the left you are travelling along the route of the old Cromford and High Peak railway line. When you reach the dam at the far end of the reservoir turn left to cross the dam and take a minute to view the Goyt River on the other side of the dam to the right.
When you have reached the end of the dam follow the track to the left and then take the first path that leads off to the left through woodland. The walking is slightly more uneven on this part with many small streams and waterfalls to see that flow into the reservoir. After a short distance the path will split, turn left here to follow the path that takes you closest to the banks of the reservoir. If you wish to rest a while there a few small benches along this stretch with great views across the reservoir. Follow this route and then you bear right uphill back towards the street car park.
