Etherow Country Park, located in Compstall between Marple Bridge and Romiley, is one of Britain's first country parks and a popular green space in Stockport. Spanning 200 acres, it features woodland, grassland, marshland, and the River Etherow flowing through it.
Park History and Features
Originally an industrial area with a mine, mill, and mill pond, the park has become a nature reserve. The lake at its heart is used by Etherow Country Park Sailing Club, offering courses for children and adults. Along the river, visitors can follow trails and encounter a spectacular weir that creates an impressive waterfall, with a bridge providing a perfect vantage point.
Food and Drink Options
By the car park, Pure Coffee offers hot and cold beverages, duck food, and personalised gifts. The Potting Shed, a garden centre and cafe on the park's edge, serves locally sourced food including homemade ice cream and Peak District-roasted coffee. Further in, Whitebottom Farm hosts music events like Moovin Festival and opened a small bar, Beers at the Weir, in 2024. Located by the waterfall, it serves Hawkstone beers, farm spirits, and Harlot English Sparkling Wine, along with smash burgers made from their own Aberdeen Angus cattle. The bar is open Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm, excluding festival weekends, and hosts community events.
Access and Facilities
The park has a pay and display car park. Marple Station is 1.5 km away, and bus routes 304, 383, and 384 run nearby.
