A recently discovered 1945 aerial photo of the southern tip of Fernilee Reservoir captures the metal suspension bridge which was removed in the mid ’60s, shortly before Errwood was flooded.
Topic tags: Fernilee Reservoir...
Trip to the Valley in 1967
Some photos taken in 1967, shortly before the completion of Errwood Reservoir, including views along the Bunsall Incline as well as the suspension bridge which once spanned Fernilee Reservoir.
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.
New info boards
It’s great to see that United Utilities seem to be taking more interest in promoting the heritage of the valley – following up the repair of the packhorse bridge by installing three new information boards.
Windgather to Shining Tor
Starting from the main car park, this 11-mile walk includes wonderful views from both Windgather Rocks and Shining Tor, before dropping down to visit the ruins of Errwood Hall.
Fernilee construction gallery
A new photo gallery records the construction of Fernilee Reservoir through to its opening in 1937 and includes some fascinating detail – from navvies in their pub to small steam engines.
Powder Mill Bridge
A recently discovered photo shows the Powder Mill Bridge which now lies under Fernilee Reservoir. It would have been an important crossing point over the Goyt for local workers and families.
Shawstile holloway
The felling of the fir trees above Fernilee has opened up some wonderful views across the valley. I was curious about some tracks running up from the path along the opposite side of the reservoir.
Fernilee footpath reopened
Great to see the footpath along the western shore of Fernilee has finally reopened. And the clearing of large swathes of densely-packed fir trees has revealed some well-hidden features.
The ‘loveliest drive’
I managed to solve the question of whether the road from Goyt’s Bridge to Fernilee went through the gunpowder mill. But posed another with a photo of the mill entrance that just doesn’t seem right.
Fernilee: a video history
Just uploaded to YouTube – a brief history of the construction of Fernilee Reservoir, including film of the 1932 inauguration ceremony, the gunpowder mill, suspension bridge and lost farmhouses.
Laughing water
A 1948 article describing a walk through the Goyt Valley, from Whaley Bridge to Buxton, makes fascinating reading. It also reveals that I’d got the position of the suspension bridge completely wrong.
Whispers of the gods
A 1937 newspaper article published just before the opening of Fernilee Reservoir tells of a glorious landscape that has been lost forever – wrecked in the interests of the community.
Tracing the gateposts
Continuing the hunt to trace the history of some of the stone gateposts that stand around the Goyt Valley – this time to the west of Fernilee Reservoir, on the main track and up to Intake Farm.
To the gunpowder mill
A pair of stone gateposts beside Fernilee Reservoir set me wondering about their history. Old maps reveal that they once stood at the entrance to a path that led down to the old gunpowder mill.
Issue Tor Quarry
A few people on the Goyt Valley Facebook Group have recently mentioned Issue Tor Quarry. Gary said it’s a very eerie place. And Chris thought a hermit had been living living there. So I was curious to take look.
The Hollows update
Thanks to Bill and Chris, I’ve managed to pinpoint the house known as The Hollows which featured in the collection of photos taken in the early 1930s, before work started on Fernilee Reservoir.
Wrong again!
Another of my theories bites the dust! I was sure the brick pillar that surfaced during this summer must have been one of the supports for the suspension bridge. But it appears not.
Fernilee from the air (1934)
A 1934 aerial view of the Fernilee Reservoir construction site reveals some fascinating detail, including the ruins of the Gunpowder Mill, as well as the line of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway.
Fernilee west walk video
Hot on the heels of the video for walk 17 comes the one for walk 18; a very easy 2.5 mile circular walk around the west of Fernilee Reservoir. There are some wonderful views from the upper section.
Fernilee path reopens
It’s taken almost a year, but the footpath between Fernilee and Taxal, past the old pump house, has finally reopened. But I hadn’t realised the old building was to completely vanish from the landscape.
Walk 18: Fernilee west bank
Recorded at the start of a mini heat-wave in June 2017, this 2.5 mile circular stroll is the first in the series to start from the small car park at the northern tip of Fernilee Reservoir.
Fernilee video added
I’ve just added the video for walk 14: an easy, four-mile circular stroll around Fernilee Reservoir, with an additional section running down the Goyt and returning along the picturesque riverbank.
Two new walks
I’ve just added two new walks to the series – bringing the total to 15. They were recorded on the last day of a fairly damp March. One around Fernilee and the other from Errwood to Goytsclough.
History of the twin reservoirs
The construction of the twin reservoirs of Fernillee and Errwood changed the face of the Goyt Valley landscape. But in many ways the farmers’ loss was our gain. Local historian Norman Brierley tells the story…
The suspension bridge
I’ve always been curious about the small, picturesque suspension bridge shown in some old photos of the valley, wondering when it was built, what happened to it, and where it was situated.
Fernilee inauguration
This shaky black and white silent film from 1932 records the inauguration ceremony for the construction of Fernilee Reservoir, with Stockport Corporation big-wigs standing apart from the navvies.
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.
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.
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.