Welcome . . .

Welcome . . .

…to everyone who shares my passion for the magical Goyt Valley, close to Buxton in the Peak District National Park.

read more

Recent posts

Goyt’s Bridge painting

Goyt’s Bridge painting

Just discovered in Buxton Museum’s collection; a late 19th century oil painting showing the highly popular view of Goyt’s Bridge, over the stepping stones towards the packhorse bridge.

read more
Goytsclough parking closed

Goytsclough parking closed

Forestry England has recently closed off the popular parking areas at Goytsclough with a long row of large boulders in an attempt to stop what they call ‘antisocial behaviour’.

read more
The path to the stones

The path to the stones

A photo taken back in late August 2022, when the water level in Errwood Reservoir dropped significantly, revealed the path running down to the second set of stepping stones.

read more
Second stepping stones

Second stepping stones

A 1918 photo taken from Goyt’s Lane towards Goytshead Farm comes frustratingly close to revealing a second set of stepping stones close to the packhorse bridge in Goyt’s Bridge.

read more
WW1 nurse’s unique photos

WW1 nurse’s unique photos

Four photos have been discovered of Goyt’s Bridge, taken by a Canadian nurse in 1918. They include both bridges as well as a wonderful view across the now-drowned hamlet.

read more
Before the Hall

Before the Hall

A detailed map published in 1832 for the sale of land in the Goyt Valley is the oldest I’ve seen. It must have been at this auction that Samuel Grimshaw purchased the land on which he’d build Errwood Hall.

read more
Hall ruins reopened

Hall ruins reopened

It’s good to see that the fencing around the ruins of Errwood Hall has finally been removed and visitors are again free to wander around this historic site. I just hope we can keep the vandals away.

read more
The vanished footbridge

The vanished footbridge

The mystery of the vanished footbridge along the path around the ruins of Errwood Hall deepens. I’m just hoping Forestry England will replace it. But their silence makes me fear for the worst.

read more
Grouse shooting ban

Grouse shooting ban

United Utilities has announced that they will ban grouse shooting in the valley from 2027, ending a sporting tradition which has taken place for centuries. The decision has caused a great deal of controversy.

read more
Sealing the tunnel

Sealing the tunnel

A couple of photos recently discovered on ebay show the southern end of the tunnel on the disused Cromford & High Peak Railway line being blocked off, probably sometime in the early ’60s.

read more
Errwood Hall now closed

Errwood Hall now closed

It’s sad to see that the recent spate of vandalism at the ruins of Errwood Hall has meant that they’ve now been fenced off for a couple of months whilst Forestry England make the necessary repairs.

read more
Protecting the ruins

Protecting the ruins

Forestry England are fencing off the ruins of Errwood Hall to repair the damage caused by a recent spate of vandalism. I’m not sure how long it will take and will update this page when I hear more.

read more
Walk 28: two reservoirs circuit

Walk 28: two reservoirs circuit

Walk 28 circuits both Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the many glories of the Goyt Valley, including the historic packhorse bridge and the enigmatic ruins of Errwood Hall.

read more
What is it with UU?

What is it with UU?

Why does United Utilities no longer allow memorial benches? And why are there no public toilets in the valley? And why have they installed hideous wire fencing along the bridge?

read more
Out with the Toad Patrol

Out with the Toad Patrol

The Toad Patrol do a wonderful job ensuring as many as possible of these small amphibians survive the hazardous journey across Old Goyts Lane from their habitat to their spawning ground.

read more
PRoW application update

PRoW application update

Things finally seem to happening with the application to preserve public rights of way along a stretch of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway which once led into the Goyt Valley. But we need your support.

read more
Ranger records #2

Ranger records #2

With the deadline fast approaching, I’ve managed to complete the final batch of scans of the records kept at Derbyshire Bridge Rangers’ hut – some 88 pages in two folders.

read more
Ranger records #1

Ranger records #1

I’ve finally made a start on scanning a fascinating collection of photos and documents which were once displayed in the Derbyshire Bridge Rangers’ hut. Here’s the first batch…

read more

Goyt Valley walks

Photo galleries