Sandy Lane gateposts

Sandy Lane gateposts

Above: A look at old maps reveal that these sturdy gateposts once formed an entrance onto the track of the C&HPR. Continuing the quest to identify old stone gateposts in the valley, I came across two fine examples yesterday evening, just as the sun was setting....
Laughing water

Laughing water

Above: The attractive suspension bridge was built at the same time as the reservoir, to enable locals to walk from one side to the other. Above: Sharon posted this photo of her Great Aunt May posing on the bridge on the Goyt Valley Facebook page. Gail recently sent me...
Tracing the gateposts

Tracing the gateposts

Above: I wonder whether these gatesposts once marked the boundary between the Grimshawe’s estate and the Chillworth Gunpowder Mill. It seems I’m not the only saddo to be fascinated by old stone gateposts! There are quite a few of us out there, as I...
To the gunpowder mill

To the gunpowder mill

Above: The twin stone gateposts and a screengrab from the ViewRanger app showing where they stand. It’s quite probably a sad reflection on me, but I find old stone gateposts intriguing. Especially when they stand alone in the landscape, with no connecting fences...
Ladmanlow station

Ladmanlow station

Above: Whatever remains of Ladmanlow Station now lies behind these gates. I’ll maybe knock on their door once the virus has passed to ask if they’ll let me take a closer look. I’ve long been fascinated by the history of the 33-mile Cromford...
Relief expedition on the way

Relief expedition on the way

Above: Photo courtesy of Picture the Past. Louise Marsden spotted this intriguing photo on Picture the Past’s Facebook page. It’s titled ‘Goyt Valley Relief Expedition’, and was published in the Buxton Advertiser. The description says:...
Taxal Church fades

Taxal Church fades

Above: Rev Evans had to fight a battle with church authorities to extend the graveyard. But today it’s as overcrowded as the old one across the lane. I’ve visited Taxal Church quite a few times over the years, but it’s only recently that I discovered...
The Hollows update

The Hollows update

Above: Work started on Fernilee Reservoir in 1932 and was completed in 1937. I’d guess this photo showing The Hollows still standing in the midst of the construction site would have been taken around 1934. Above: I’ve circled The Hollows, and shown where I...
Locating the bridge

Locating the bridge

Above: The main bridge in Goyt’s Bridge emerges from the water during the drought of 1984. The viewpoint shows where Gary was standing to take the photo. See the main text for a key to the numbered arrows  Above: This photo of the bridge was sent in by...
Mystery building

Mystery building

Above: One of the very few buildings in the valley that Bill doesn’t recognise. The Long Hill road is easily identified by the line of telegraph poles in the distance. The dark stripe running horizontally below is the disused track of the C&HPR. And...