Fernilee Reservoir is a region nestled within the picturesque Goyt Valley in the Peak District National Park. This area is characterized by its tranquil waters, dense woodlands, and varied terrain, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The landscape, featuring waterside paths, disused railway lines, and surrounding moorland, provides diverse environments for several outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Fernilee Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor…
156
Routes
4.7
(581)
Average rating
5343
People visited
4.8
(67)
457
hikers
14.5km
04:12
370m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(31)
275
hikers
19.6km
05:40
490m
490m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(52)
310
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(32)
197
hikers
8.51km
02:37
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
22
riders
55.8km
03:29
1,230m
1,230m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
17
riders
87.6km
04:41
1,520m
1,520m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(4)
157
riders
68.0km
03:33
1,010m
1,010m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
72
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.4
(34)
201
riders
24.2km
02:05
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.4
(38)
230
riders
31.9km
02:39
790m
790m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(4)
21
riders
17.8km
01:28
450m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(5)
16
riders
13.3km
01:09
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
123
riders
26.4km
02:02
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
33
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
31
riders
62.8km
04:04
830m
830m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
26
riders
24.5km
01:40
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(1)
66
runners
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
65
runners
12.2km
01:22
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
85
runners
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
38
runners
6.04km
00:40
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
13
riders
50.4km
02:54
530m
530m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
17
riders
56.0km
03:25
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
24.7km
01:50
590m
590m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
40
riders
104km
06:20
1,430m
1,430m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Fernilee Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and jogging. The region features more than 10 routes across these sports. Over 269,000 visitors have shared their experiences, with routes rated an average of 4.62 out of 5 stars.
Fernilee Reservoir has an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths and trails. Options range from easy circular walks around the reservoir to longer routes extending into the wider Goyt Valley. Over 980 hiking routes are available, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. For more information, see Hiking around Fernilee Reservoir.
A popular circular walk around Fernilee Reservoir is approximately 3 miles (5 km). This route is generally considered gentle and accessible. Longer circuits, up to 7.5 miles, can be created by including the nearby Errwood Reservoir.
Yes, Fernilee Reservoir offers several family-friendly walks. Some paths are even, though others may have moderately steep slopes or rougher ground. For specific routes, consult the guide Family-friendly hikes around Fernilee Reservoir.
Yes, Fernilee Reservoir is generally dog-friendly, with many trails suitable for walks with dogs. Visitors should keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife or livestock. A guide for specific routes is available: Dog-friendly hikes around Fernilee Reservoir.
The disused railway line along the eastern shore provides a relatively flat track suitable for cycling. The broader Goyt Valley and Peak District are also renowned for cycling. For more details, see Traffic-free bike rides around Fernilee Reservoir.
Fernilee Reservoir features dense woodlands, particularly along the western shore, and is situated within the Goyt Valley, known for its high moorland and gritstone edges. It is the lower of two reservoirs in the valley, with the River Goyt feeding it. The surrounding moorland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The reservoir, completed in 1938, was built on the site of the former hamlet of Goyt's Bridge and the Chilworth Gunpowder Mill. During periods of extreme dryness, outlines of submerged buildings and stone walls can be seen. A section of the historic Cromford & High Peak Railway line also forms part of a walking path.
Many paths around Fernilee Reservoir are noted for their accessibility, with some sections being even. However, other parts may have moderately steep slopes, steps, or rougher ground with rocks and tree roots. Not all walks are suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs for their entire length.
Komoot offers several guides for Fernilee Reservoir, including Hiking around Fernilee Reservoir, Family-friendly hikes around Fernilee Reservoir, and MTB Trails around Fernilee Reservoir. Guides for dog-friendly hikes, easy hikes, and various cycling routes are also available.
Fernilee Reservoir is owned and operated by United Utilities. For general inquiries related to the reservoir's operation or United Utilities sites, their general inquiries phone number is 0345 672 3723.
Yes, Fernilee Reservoir offers easy walks suitable for beginners, including a 3-mile (5 km) circular route around the reservoir itself. This path is often described as gentle and accessible. For more options, consult the guide Easy hikes around Fernilee Reservoir.

