Furness Vale: Walks, Canal and Industrial History

Furness Vale can be explored via a variety of paths, a distinctive river and pasture landscape, and the history of the canal and Printworks. For your travel planning, the area offers a range of experiences: a manageable walk from the centre, a relatively level canal path, scenic sections along the Goyt Way and cultural and historical connections extending as far as Manchester.

Walks for Different Daily Itineraries

The Furness Vale Walk begins in the centre of Furness Vale and leads into Diglee Clough. The route is 1.6 miles (2.7 kilometres) long and takes around 43 minutes. This makes it easy to plan as a separate short activity. From Broadhey Hill, the Furness Vale Walk offers views over the remains of the Kiln Knoll Barrow.

The Goyt Way presents a different experience on the climb from Furness Vale: the path becomes steeper there and can be very muddy in places. Near Kiln Knoll, the view extends to New Mills and as far as Manchester. This combination of ascent, path conditions and far-reaching views supports making a deliberate choice between a shorter walk and a more demanding hike.

Canal Path and River Landscape

The Upper Peak Forest Canal Trail is relatively level and easy to walk. It is suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users and pushchairs. For families or travel groups with different interests, this path can therefore enable a different kind of day out from the steeper Goyt Way. In clear conditions, the trail offers views as far as Kinder Scout.

The landscape along the River Goyt also shapes the character of Furness Vale. Here, the river is associated with a small-scale pasture landscape. Its meandering course lies in a flat alluvial floodplain. Those who enjoy switching between activity and tranquil scenery can take both sides into account when planning their days. The upper section of the Peak Forest Canal passes close to Furness Vale and adds another canal-related experience to the choice of walks.

Printworks and the History of the Canal

Furness Vale is also connected with the history of the Furness Vale Printworks. The Printworks was founded by Samuel Gratrix in 1794. The Peak Forest Canal served as a transport route to Manchester for the Furness Vale Printworks. At its peak, up to 40 boats travelled through Furness Vale on the Peak Forest Canal each day. This information makes the canal an important historical topic for anyone who wants to plan their trip not only around landscape and activity, but also around former transport and economic routes.

Choose Accommodation According to Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Furness Vale, you can first decide which of the documented experiences should be the main focus: the walk from the centre into Diglee Clough, the level Upper Peak Forest Canal Trail, the steeper Goyt Way or the history of the Printworks and Peak Forest Canal. Check the specific location description for each listing and choose your accommodation according to the type of days you would like to spend in Furness Vale. This keeps your search focused on your actual interests without assuming an unverified proximity to a particular path.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare other places with Furness Vale for your travel planning, you can find Eyam, Risley, Smalley, Hackney, Glossop, Swanwick, Clowne and Chinley here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Derbyshire.