Etherow country park

We recently visited one of our terrific local nature reserves – Etherow County Park, just a half dozen or so miles from home.

It’s one of those places that we have been to many times over the years, going as far back as when our own children were small and our walk there would extend to no more than a slow amble around the lake to feed the ducks.

As a place to visit it’s stood the test of time. My daughter is a now regular visitor there these days with three of our grandchildren.

Accessibility

It certainly ‘ticks the boxes’ in terms of general accessibility and with very reasonably priced car parking. The paths around the lake are well made, well surfaced, and well kept. It’s an easy, pleasant, and safe walk to circulate the lake. With toilet facilities and cafe it’s a popular place so if traveling by car it’s best to arrive early to be certain of a parking space.

Easy on the eye

As far as I can recall on each occasion we have been, there had always been a reasonable amount of wildlife activity on the water and it was no exception on our most recent visit. I have to say the Mandarin ducks stole the show for me during our visit, they really are so colourful and so easy on the eye, as you will see in the picture set at the end of this post.

Depending on how much energy and inclination you have it’s easy to head away from the lake into the wooded areas or on towards Whaley Bridge. We headed into the woods at the end of the lake and past the weir. It takes a bit more energy as it’s uphill but the paths are good and the woods are just delightful – with all the autumn colours you could wish for and it’s not so difficult to incorporate a wander into the woods as part of your visit.

All in all a decent relaxing walk that’s not far from home – what more could you ask for from a country park is a place that never disappoints whatever the time of year and whatever the weather.