Grouse shooting ban

Grouse shooting ban

Above: Rectangular strips of lighter vegetation are a common sight across the moorlands above the Goyt Valley. They’re areas that have been cut back to encourage new plant growth for young and nesting grouse.  A recent announcement by United Utilities that they...
Sealing the tunnel

Sealing the tunnel

Above: A Google Earth satellite image of Tunnel Farm at bottom right. I’ve superimposed the orange line to show the route of the tunnel into the valley. Many thanks to Mary on the Burbage Facebook Group for posting these two photos she found on ebay. They show...
Errwood Hall now closed

Errwood Hall now closed

Above: It’s sad to see the ruins closed off – I think for the first time since the hall was demolished in the mid 1930s. It’s the end of June and the ruins of Errwood Hall have just been fenced off. Chris from Forestry England thinks the restoration...
Protecting the ruins

Protecting the ruins

Above: The most recent damage was caused when someone removed the steps from just beyond the entrance to try and get access to the cellars. The fencing has been stored at far left. Forestry England – which manages the Goyt Valley on behalf of the estate owners,...
Walk 28: two reservoirs circuit

Walk 28: two reservoirs circuit

Above: A view across Fernilee Reservoir. There are also some wonderful views across Errwood. Above: Click to play a ‘Relive’ of the walk, and use the expand button to view in full-screen. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to post a walk...
What is it with UU?

What is it with UU?

Above: Memorial benches provide places to rest and take in the wonderful views. So why does UU no longer allow them? I often receive messages from people asking how they could go about installing a bench or a plaque in memory of a loved one in the Goyt Valley....
Out with the Toad Patrol

Out with the Toad Patrol

Above: A female with a smaller male clamped firmly on her back attempts the dangerous journey across Old Goyt’s Lane. Above: Some of the many toads collected during last night’s patrol. They make a surprisingly soothing chirping sound! Anyone driving down...
PRoW application update

PRoW application update

Above: The notice appears at the junction of the old track and Macclesfield Old Road. Above: Click to enlarge the notice. Things finally seem to be happening with the application to make a section of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway track a public right of way...
Ranger records #2

Ranger records #2

Above: The records were kept at the Derbyshire Bridge Rangers’ hut, along with some display boards. It’s a great pity that it’s been a while since the place was open to the public. I decided to grasp the proverbial nettle and set to work scanning the...
Ranger records #1

Ranger records #1

Above: A couple of examples from the collection – a wonderful photo showing four houses near Goyt’s Moss. And a small booklet describing life at the reservoir waterworks from the 1950s to the late ’90s. There’s nothing like a deadline for...