{"id":1006210,"date":"2022-09-08T16:26:40","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T15:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.half-daywalker.com\/?p=1006210"},"modified":"2022-11-04T11:49:27","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T11:49:27","slug":"goyt-valley-taxal-edge-and-pym-chair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.half-daywalker.com\/?p=1006210","title":{"rendered":"Goyt Valley, Taxal Edge and Pym Chair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I was thrilled that we have Rolo staying with us again, and he is always up for a country walk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the heavy, thundery showers that were forecast all week for today, meant it was always going to be a relatively short affair today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We kept it simple and headed up to the Goyt Valley, starting from the bottom of Fernilee Reservoir, a 40 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk is just under 7 miles, with a total ascent of feet, 1250feet, 380 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk took 3 hours to complete plus 15 minutes for lunch .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a very good walk for dog walkers, mainly on good tracks , and just a few sections with some sheep to share it with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it turned out, there was no signgn of any showers and the weather was good, around 17 C, mostly cloudy, but with some sunny intervals and a warm breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main car park for the area is between the Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs, and is shown on the map. Contrary to the map, this is where I started from, walking anti-clockwise. Access from Bollington or Kettleshulme using the Sailing Club postcode SK17 6GJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had intended to start from Fernilee Reservoir dam, as the map shows, but couldn’t, due to a closure on the A5004. There is parking for a much smaller number of cars at the Fernilee dam, use postcode SK23 7HD, drive past the pub and the United Utilities access road is about a quarter of a mile up on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Errwood Reservoir To Madscar Farm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Goyt Valley Reservoirs supply drinking water to Stockport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like we’ve been really thirsty this summer as Errwood Reservoir is at a really low level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We headed off along the lower path, which should be along the shoreline of Fernilee Reservoir! Rolo was setting a fast pace, and really enjoying the solitude and freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He eventually stopped for breath, but there was no time for a sit down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the reservoir the track continues to Normanwood, with lovely views up and down the valley..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After crossing Mill Clough (where the feature picture for this blog was taken), we arrived at the strangely named Madscar Farm, in the foreground below. This picture looks back to Normanwood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rolo always seemed to have to wait for me, and here the main ascent began, so I was taking my time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Madscar Farm To Windgather Rocks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It was a pretty steep and steady climb. Each stop for breath brought a wonderful view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I reached Taxal Edge, and the sign headed up to Windgather Rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We had been beaten to the summit, where the person ahead seemed very happy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rolo was content with a bit of sun and sheep watching!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windgather Rocks aren’t the highest. However, they make a great place for first time climbers to learn the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And they afford more great views across Kettleshulme to Lyme Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windgather Rocks To Errwood Reservoir<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The next section of walk uses a path alongside the road, but behind a wall. Rolo was able to enjoy this stretch, including a splash in a small stream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are splendid views back down to the Goyt Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After crossing “The Street” and making our way over Foxlow Edge, we headed down through ferns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I was once again taken aback by the water levels as we reached the reservoir. It will be quite some time before the Sailing Club is operational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This is a splendid doggy walk, although Rolo still seemed full of energy when we got home, so perhaps it needed to be longer! It is off-road pretty much all the way, and this adds to the relaxed enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Finally….<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last night I went to see Hurray For The Riff Raff at YES in Manchester. The venue hold about 250 people. They had come all the way from New Orleans, led by the wonderful Alynda Segarra, and really deserved to be playing a bigger venue. Alynda is of Puerto Rican descent and her songs are great, plus they have powerful messages about life from the perspective of Hispanic immigrants in the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is “Saga” from their most recent album, Life On Earth, the theme of which is “survival”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just to add – there is also a good live version of this on You Tube from their gig in Leeds on Saturday with an explanation of the song’s inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n