Above: St Joseph’s Shrine.
Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.
Length: 2.7mls | Av. time: 1.25hrs | Ascent: 696ft
Start: Errwood Hall car park | Google Map
Walk description, map & GPX | Download
A 2.7-mile circular walk from Errwood Hall car park, taking in three of the most historic sites in the Goyt Valley – the ruins of Errwood Hall, the Grimshawe family graves and St Joseph’s Shrine.
From the hall, the path climbs to the hilltop cemetery where the Grimshawes – who owned the Errwood estate from 1832 to 1930 – are buried, with stunning views across the surrounding moorland.
Below the graves are the ruins of Castedge Farm, one of some 20 farmhouses in the valley demolished in the early 1930s.
St Joseph’s Shrine
A scenic valley-side path then runs for three-quarters of a mile, passing the ruins of Withinleach Farm just before reaching St Joseph’s Shrine.
This small round stone building, with its conical stone roof, is dedicated to Dolores de Ybarguen, Mrs Jessie Grimshawe’s Spanish companion – her initials and the date 1889 are above the small altar. It’s a peaceful spot to rest awhile.
The final stretch climbs a fairly gentle slope to the top of Foxlow Edge, with some of the best panoramic views over both sides of the valley, before the path descends to the road beside the reservoir.
As you cross the modern bridge on the way back to the car park, look over to your right – the old entrance drive to Errwood Hall ran alongside the stream, and you can sometimes see it when the water level is low.
You can also start the walk from a small layby on The Street, just north of point 10 on the pdf map.
Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.
Route photos
Stages 1-6 of the route. Click any to enlarge and scroll through.
Relive video
Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. More Goyt Valley Relives.
