Above: Approaching the ruins of Errwood Hall when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Goyt Valley walks
There are some wonderful walks in and around the Goyt Valley. I’ve described 30 of my favourites here, ranging in length from one to twelve miles. Simply click on any link below for more information on any walk, and to download full directions with a map, as well as GPX files for all of the popular walking apps (more on walking apps).
1: The Riverside Path
A 2.3 mile walk from Errwood Hall car park to one of the most picturesque spots in the Goyt Valley – along a tree-lined track to reach the River Goyt, which is very much just a stream at this point.
2: Errwood Hall & the Graves
This 1.2 mile walk from Errwood Hall car park is the shortest in the series, but is also one of the most popular, visiting the ruins of Errwood Hall as well as the hill-top cemetery of the Grimshawes.
3: Valley Views
An easy 1.2 mile stroll from Errwood Hall car park along a narrow but scenic path that’s easily over-looked, passing along the opposite side of Shooter’s Clough to visit the ruins of the hall.
4: Errwood Hall & the Shrine
This 2.7-mile walk from Errwood Hall car park passes three of the most historic sites in the valley – Errwood Hall, the hill-top graves of the family who once lived there, and St. Joseph’s Shrine.
5: Whaley Bridge to Taxal
A gentle 2.9-mile stroll from the canal basin at Whaley Bridge to the Goyt, passing Taxal Church to reach Hillbridge Wood Nature Reserve, returning along the other side of the river.
6: Taxal Edge
Starting from The Street car park in the valley, this 7.3-mile walk passes along a forest track before climbing up to Taxal Edge. There is also a shorter option that avoids the climb.
7: The Rhododendrons
A short walk of just under two miles from Errwood Hall car park along paths that burst with colour when the rhododendrons surrounding the ruins of Errwood Hall are in full bloom.
8: Errwood > Shining Tor
At just over 6 miles, this walk from Errwood Reservoir up to Shining Tor – one of Cheshire’s highest landmarks – is one of the longest in the series. But the rewards are some wonderful views.
9: Buxton > Errwood Reservoir
This 7.8-mile walk starts from Burbage, just over a mile from the centre of Buxton, and crosses moorland paths to circle Errwood Reservoir, returning past the old packhorse bridge.
10: Old Goyt’s Lane > Errwood
An easy 3-mile walk along the lane which once led from Buxton to the now-drowned hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, returning across moorland and then the track of the Cromford & High Peak Railway.
11. Derbyshire Bridge
Starting from close to the Cat & Fiddle Inn at Derbyshire Bridge car park, this 3.6-mile walk heads along the old Macclesfield to Buxton turnpike before crossing moorland to reach the packhorse bridge.
12: C&HPR Buxton > Whaley
This 9.4-mile walk follows – as far as possible – the route of the Cromford & High Peak Railway from the outskirts of Buxton to Whaley Bridge Canal Basin, returning by train.
13. Errwood Reservoir Circuit
A complete, 5-mile circuit around Errwood Reservoir starting from Errwood Hall car park, passing along the picturesque Riverside Path and returning over the ancient packhorse bridge.
14: Fernilee Reservoir Circuit
An easy 4.3-mile circuit of Fernilee Reservoir from The Street car park to reach a footbridge over the Goyt, returning along the old railway track. A shorter option is also available.
15: Errwood > Goytsclough
This 4.2-mile walk from Errwood Hall car park passes the ruins of Errwood Hall before rising up to reach open moorland, returning along a mix of stony tracks and riverside paths.
16. Fernilee Woodland
A short 2.8-mile walk around Fernilee Reservoir from the small lay-by at the foot of the Bunsal Incline, heading first along the old railway track and returning through the higher woodland path.
17. Foxlow > St. Joseph’s Shrine
This short, 1.6-mile stroll starts from a small lay-by along the ancient Roman road known as The Street, and crosses Foxlow Edge before dropping down to visit St. Joseph’s Shrine.
18: Fernilee West Bank
Starting from the small car park at the northern end of Fernilee Reservoir, this 3.3-mile walk takes the higher track through the trees before returning along the shoreline path.
19: Axe Edge Moor
Starting from Derbyshire Bridge car park near the source of the River Goyt, this 7.1-mile walk crosses moorland to reach the remains of Danebower Quarry, returning past the Cat & Fiddle Inn.
20: Three Shires Head
The historic landmark of Three Shires Head lies close to the Goyt Valley, at the junction of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. This 5.1-mile walk is the most popular on the website.
21: Buxton > Goyt Valley
At over nine miles, this walk from Buxton to Errwood Reservoir is one of the longest in the series, but is full of historic interest, passing both Poole’s Cavern and Solomon’s Temple.
22: Rainow > Lamaload Res.
Starting from Rainow, just a few miles west of the Goyt Valley, this 9.4-mile walk passes the ruins of Thursbitch Farmhouse to reach Lamaload Reservoir, returning along picturesque field paths.
23: Corbar > Errwood Res.
Starting from Buxton’s Corbar Woods, this 8.1-mile walk climbs to the well known landmark of Corbar Cross before dropping down to Errwood Reservoir and returning along moorland paths.
24: Fernilee Res. > Castle Naze
Starting from the foot of the Bunsal Incline, this 12 mile walk passes along Fernilee Reservoir and the hamlet of Taxal before climbing Combs Edge to enjoy some fantastic panoramic views.
25: Buxton > Burbage Edge
Starting from Buxton’s best known building, The Crescent, this 6.4-mile walk passes through two of the town’s parks before heading up to Burbage Edge along the border of the Goyt Valley.
26: Windgather > Shining Tor
From The Street car park, this 10.7-mile walk passes Fernilee Reservoir to reach Taxal before turning south to Windgather Rocks and then Shining Tor, returning along Errwood Reservoir.
27: C&HPR short circuit
A short, 2.3-mile stroll from the car park by the small reservoir that once watered steam engines on the C&HP Railway, along the track to a railway tunnel and returning along moorland paths.
28: Twin Reservoirs Circuit
This complete, 7.6-mile circuit of both Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs starts from The Street car park and passes the ruins of Errwood Hall as well as the historic packhorse bridge.
29: Joe Brown Numbers South
From The Street car park, this 8.4-mile southern section of Joe Brown Numbers orienteering challenge covers a wide expanse of moorland tracks, passing the ruins of Errwood Hall on the way.
30: Joe Brown Numbers North
The more difficult, northern section of Joe Brown’s orienteering challenge covers 11.5 miles and a steep climb up to Castle Naze. Completing the course using only Joe’s clues is quite a feat!