Buxton Circular Walk to Errwood Reservoir (9 miles)
This 9-mile circular walk from Grin Low Car Park is pure Peak District magic. It’s a route that delivers breathtaking views, varied terrain, and the serene beauty of Errwood Reservoir – all within easy reach of Buxton. From moorland panoramas to peaceful waterside pauses, from ancient tracks to disused railway paths, this walk has everything that makes the National Park special.
A moderate challenge with some steep sections, it rewards every step with ever-changing scenery and a genuine sense of achievement. Lace up your boots and discover why this route is a local favourite.
⚠️ Please note: This route has been created and shared by an Outdoor Active community member. It has not been checked or verified by Let’s Go Peak District. Please read the full walk description carefully, check weather and ground conditions before setting out, and look to community reviews and comments on Outdoor Active for up-to-date feedback. Always follow the Countryside Code.
View Full Route on Outdoor Active ↗Buxton Circular Walk to Errwood Reservoir
Some walks are simply about getting from one place to another. This one is about the journey itself – a 9-mile adventure that showcases Buxton and the Peak District’s remarkable variety, weaving through landscapes that have inspired artists, writers, and explorers for generations.
The Moorland Experience
From the moment you leave the initial woodland behind, you’re immersed in the open moorland that defines this corner of the Peak District. The peat tracks here are ancient – worn by centuries of footsteps, livestock, and the relentless Derbyshire weather. Walking them, you’re treading the same paths that farmers, traders, and travellers have used for hundreds of years.
The heather-clad hills stretch in every direction, shifting colour with the seasons – vibrant purple in late summer, deep russet in autumn, and a subtle bronze in winter. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of spectacular, taking in the Goyt Valley, the distant peaks of Kinder Scout, and the rolling hills of the Staffordshire moorlands.
Errwood Reservoir: A Hidden Gem
The halfway point is Errwood Reservoir – and what a halfway point it is. Nestled in the Goyt Valley, this man-made lake is a haven of tranquillity. Built in the 1960s, the reservoir supplies water to the surrounding area, but you’d never guess it from its peaceful, almost wild appearance.
The reservoir is surrounded by gentle slopes and woodland, making it a popular spot for wildlife. Keep an eye out for resident birdlife – herons are a common sight, standing motionless at the water’s edge, while buzzards soar overhead on thermal currents. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher darting across the surface or hear the distinctive call of a curlew from the moorland above.
The Sailing Club Bench
There’s a bench just inside the sailing club grounds – technically marked private, but traditionally enjoyed by walkers who’ve earned a rest. Sitting here, with the water lapping gently at the shore and the hills rising all around, it’s easy to lose track of time. The reservoir has a quiet, reflective quality that invites contemplation. It’s the kind of spot that makes you forget the effort of the climb and just be present.
The Infamous Hill
Every walk has its challenge, and this one is no exception. The perfectly straight, brutally steep hill that follows the reservoir is the stuff of local legend. Walkers grumble about it – and you probably will too! – but it’s also the quickest route back to the high ground and those panoramic views.
Think of it as a rite of passage. When you reach the top, turn around. The view back across the reservoir, with the hills tumbling away beneath you, is a reward that makes every burning step worthwhile.
The Disused Railway
From the top of the hill, you join the trackbed of a disused railway – a reminder of the industrial past that shaped this landscape. The railway once carried goods and passengers through the Goyt Valley, connecting communities that are now quiet and rural. Today, it’s a peaceful path with gentle gradients, offering easy walking and magnificent views.
Walking along the old railway, you can almost hear the echoes of the past – the whistle of steam trains, the clatter of carriages, the bustle of a bygone era. It’s a poignant reminder that the Peak District is a landscape shaped by both nature and history.
Why This Walk Inspires
The Buxton Circular Walk to Errwood Reservoir is more than just a route – it’s an experience. It’s the sense of achievement as you crest a steep hill and the world opens up before you. It’s the quiet peace of a waterside pause, the thrill of spotting wildlife, and the simple joy of being outdoors in one of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
From the rugged moorland to the tranquil reservoir, from the industrial heritage of the railway to the timeless farmland, this walk captures the essence of the Peak District. It’s a journey that reminds us to slow down, look around, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. And isn’t that exactly what walking is all about?
ℹ️ Tourist Information
- Buxton Visitor Centre 1.1 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
- Shining Tor and Goyt Valley (7 miles) 3 miles
- Dragon's Back Walk (3.9 miles) 3.6 miles
- Macclesfield Forest Walk (8 Miles) ✨ NEW 4.4 miles
- Easy Trig Walk for Kids 4.5 miles
🍺 Local Pubs
- Anglers Rest 5.9 miles
- The Royal Oak, Hurdlow 6 miles
- The Merchant’s Yard 6.9 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- Poole’s Cavern 0.3 miles
- Noonology 0.9 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- The Park Apartments, Buxton 0.9 miles
- High Peak Sky 1.1 miles
- Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel 1.2 miles
- Lime Tree Holiday Park 1.4 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Poole’s Cavern 0.3 miles
- Go Ape! Treetop Adventure 0.3 miles
- Buxton Opera House & The Pavilion Arts Centre 1 miles
- The Buxton Crescent Experience 1.1 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
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