Etherow Country Park Circular
Greater Manchester
Etherow Country Park in Compstall is an old Bowdon cotton mill estate turned local nature reserve, and it packs a surprising amount into a short circuit: the River Etherow, a wide boating lake, a roaring weir, mature beech and oak woodland, and a well loved visitor centre cafe. It is one of the friendliest dog friendly walks in the Stockport area and fills with regulars, especially at weekends.
Dogs are welcome throughout and most stretches along the lake and river allow relaxed off lead walking, though signs request leads around the waterfowl, the visitor centre, and the George Street car park. Livestock is generally not an issue within the park boundary, though neighbouring Ernocroft Wood and farm sections on the longer loop can have sheep, so re clip at the boundary. Paths are a mix of tarmac and compacted gravel by the water, with some rooty woodland trails rising towards the weir. Parking is at the main George Street car park, pay and display, with toilets and the Etherow Park Cafe at the visitor centre.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River, Lake, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Visitor centre with cafe and public toilets at the car park, pubs back in Compstall village.
- Parking
- Main pay and display car park on George Street, around £3.60 for four hours, cash or online.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Etherow Country Park Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Weavers Cottage - Slaithwaite
Sleeps 12 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,975 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Etherow Country Park Circular dog friendly?
Etherow Country Park is one of the more genuinely dog friendly walks in the Stockport area, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our rating. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, and the route attracts a loyal crowd of regulars, particularly at weekends, so your dog will be in good company.
Can dogs be off lead at Etherow Country Park Circular?
Most stretches along the lake and river allow relaxed off lead walking, which makes up a good portion of the circuit. That said, signs ask for leads around the waterfowl areas, the visitor centre, and the George Street car park, so it's worth keeping that in mind as you arrive and depart.
What should I know before visiting Etherow Country Park Circular with my dog?
The paths are a mix of tarmac and compacted gravel near the water, with some rooty woodland trails as you head up towards the weir, so reasonable footwear is a good idea. If you're extending onto the longer loop through Ernocroft Wood or past the farm sections, be aware there can be sheep in those areas, so re-clip your dog at the boundary. Parking is pay and display on George Street at around £3.60 for four hours, and there are toilets and a cafe at the visitor centre when you need a break.
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