Above: The proud author displays his newly-published book at the ruins of Errwood Hall in 2025.
About this website
A personal guide to the Goyt Valley – its walks, its lost hamlet and its history – created in 2011.
My parents moved to Buxton in 1966, and it was here that I went to school. I spent most of my career in magazine and newspaper publishing – both writing and designing – and am now retired.
Back in 1995 I self-published a book of circular walks in and around the Peak District. It was at this time that I really explored and grew to appreciate the Goyt Valley. Lying just a few miles north-west of Buxton, I think it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Britain’s first National Park.
A project that’s grown over the years
The site has grown steadily since it began. There are lots of wonderful walks – suitable for all ages and abilities. They vary from easy footpaths down to the river bank (which is very much a stream at this point) to stone tracks laid across open moorland.
I’ve also been fascinated by the social and industrial history of the valley, and by a community that vanished during the construction of the twin reservoirs that now dominate this glorious landscape.
That research became my latest book, Errwood Hall & the Drowned Hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, which includes some wonderful old photos, as well as maps and information collected for this website.
Walks around the Goyt Valley
There are now 30 walks on the site, ranging from 1.2 to almost 12 miles. None of the slopes are particularly difficult, although some paths can get muddy after rain. You can compare all the walks side by side, watch a short ‘Relive’ of each one to help you choose, and download walk guides and GPX files to take with you.
Explore the history
The History pages cover Errwood Hall, Goyt’s Bridge, the farms and families of the valley, and the building of the reservoirs. The Journal has regular posts on everything from old postcards to road closures.
The Monsal Trail
I also run a companion website, monsaltrail.org.uk, with walks and stories from the Monsal Trail, the old railway line on the other side of Buxton.
I hope you enjoy this website. Comments and suggestions are always very welcome – please get in touch, or join the Goyt Valley Facebook group.
Best wishes,
David
Published in 1995, my first book on the Peak District has been out of print for many years.