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The Heart of a Peak District Community
The Goyt Valley : SSSI
 Beginning high on the vast bleak heather
clad moorland, some two miles or so west of the town of Buxton, the
infant river Goyt starts to thread its journey northwards from its
catchment area close to the A537 Buxton to Macclesfield road, and
within sight of the popular Cat and Fiddle Inn.
 Upper Goyt Valley |
It is in this area, and to your left, that you will begin to notice the neatly regimented enclosures of spruce, pine and larch planted by the Forestry Commission. This will become a more familiar sight as we progress on further down the valley. Near to the long disused Goyt's Clough Quarry, a little further on and to your right, there is a wonderful opportunity to take a walk down into the gorge and see river Goyt up close. Here you may sit on one of several benchs and listen to the water tumbling over the huge jumble of rocks, or you may chance to hear the grouse, pheasant and curlew calling across the moorland that stands high above you on virtually all sides. On hot sunny days, why not cool down amongst the scots pines, european larch, silver birch or magnificent beech trees. Perhaps that you would prefer just to stand a while and admire the fantastic rock formations, mini waterfalls amidst a natural array of stunning flora and fauna. Approximately one mile further along the now very narrow road, we reach the Goyt reservoir itself. The landscape all around you is both wild and truly breath-taking, something to enjoy regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. Just prior to crossing a curved wrought iron bridge, and set well back through the trees to your left, there are the remains of Erwood Hall, situated among extensive stands of planted Rhododendron shrubs. This estate, until 1936, was formerly home to the Grimshawe family. |
 
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 Yatching Club  Looking north out over the dam wall, it offers the walker grand views over the much lower Fernilee reservoir, where throughout its length you can see mixed woodland on either side. The long disused trackbed of the historical Cromford & High Peak Railway follows the right-hand bank for the reservoir's entire length, whereafter it makes its way as far as the town of Whaley Bridge and the canal warfe, some two miles distant. |
There is both fishing and sailing on the reservoir, by prior permission, of course. Picnic areas are available, as are the toilet facilities close to the head of the dam wall, at the lower end of the Bunsal Incline (Part of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway line). If your journey takes you back to Buxton, climbing via the very steep Bunsal Incline will eventually bring you out onto Long Hill, the A5004 Buxton to Whaley Bridge road. |
Much of this glorious landscape is readily open and accessible to walkers. The Goyt Valley is crisscrossed by a maze of excellent well sign-posted public footpaths. Depending on the weather and the time of the year, some of these pathways are liable to minor flooding and can be difficult to traverse if walking in ordinary footwear. At certain times of the year, parts of the moorland are closed to the public due to grouse shooting. Details can be acquired from the local tourist information centre. Please note : The Goyt Valley is within the Peak District National Park and is protected by law. The whole area is noteworthy as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and home to many rich and diverse species of flora and fauna. We ask that during your visit, you abide by the Countryside Code of Conduct. Round visits by car to take in the Goyt Valley Reservoir, must be made by accessing the valley from the A5004 Buxton to Whaley Bridge road, as the narrow road between Errwood Hall and as far as Goyt's Clough Quarry is one way only. >> Alternative Goyt Valley Walk << |
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Goyt Valley Moorland