To view older and newer blog posts, simply click on the links at the bottom of this page.
The Cat & Fiddle Inn
The Cat & Fiddle Inn lay on the edge of Samuel Grimshawe’s Errwood Estate, close to the source of the River Goyt. I’ve just published a fascinating collection of old postcards showing the pub.
Clearing the rhododendrons
The Forestry Commission is clearing a lot of the rhododendrons from the valley. They say they’re both invasive and diseased. I just hope they don’t clear too many as I love to see them in full bloom.
The Valley of the Goyt (1880)
Another of Strephon’s wonderful articles describing his walks through the Goyt Valley. This one tells of a circular walk from Buxton, via Goyt’s Bridge and Derbyshire Bridge, taken in early 1880.
Goyt Valley postcards
A wonderful collection of old postcards – many dating back to the early 1900s – showing the drowned hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, and views of the River Goyt from Derbyshire Bridge to Taxal.
Edward ‘Strephon’ Bradbury
Strephon’s articles describing his travels in the Goyt Valley in the early 1880s are very popular. It’s a very Victorian style, but well worth the effort. Mike has managed to discover some facts about the author.
Goyt’s Bridge painting
This painting of Goyt’s Bridge is one of the most attractive I’ve seen, and full of wonderful detail. It’s sad to think that such a picturesque spot now lies beneath the waters of Errwood Reservoir.
Mystery stones
Dennis wonders whether anyone might know why five stones, some of which are crudely carved with numbers, lie on the side of Shooters Clough. Could they be the graves of favourite gun dogs?
Goyt’s Moss Farm
Goyt’s Moss Farm once lay beside the Macclesfield Old Road. It was completely rebuilt sometime after the 1930s and now serves as a Peak District National Park Rangers Information Centre.
The stepping stones
A rare postcard of the stepping stones at Goyt’s Bridge, probably taken around 1910. I hadn’t seen this view before and it reveals some wonderful detail of this most picturesque spot.
Goyt’s Bridge in 1853
Recently discovered in the Devonshire Collection at Chatsworth House; the earliest detailed map of Goyt’s Bridge, dated 1853. Drawn some 10 years after the completion of Errwood Hall.
Goyt Valley early ’30s #1
A scenic view across The Goyt towards Goytsbridge Farm in the distance. It’s one of a collection of photos of the valley taken in the early ’30s, shortly before the construction of the twin reservoirs.
Down the Valley in 1881
Our 19th century travellers are “soon in the deep cool solitude of the Goyt valley, beautiful with colours that the miserably inadequate art of word-painting is utterly lost to reproduce.”
Errwood Hall bridge
An 1880 report of a trip to Errwood Hall mentions a ‘lovers’ walk high above the carriageway’. But where was this scenic walk? And was there a bridge that has now been lost?
Goyt Valley Google map
I’ve been testing Google Maps to plot all the lost farms, places of interest and car parks in the Goyt valley – and it seems to be working well. Next stage is to add the various walks.
An 1880 excursion to Errwood
A writer in 1880 describes the Goyt Valley: “Boughs interlace above; the bare-bell, the fox-glove, and the blade-like fern are at out feet; at our side the beautiful campanula…”
The ‘Final exodus’
The last families to leave the Goyt Valley packed all their belongings on to lorries and horse-drawn carts in March 1936. I’m trying to trace their names, and the homes they once lived in.
Tracing Mr T.B. Hibbert
Trying to resolve the riddle of the Goyt’s Bridge tea room sign; we find Tommy Hibbert in the census returns – but it doesn’t help cast much light upon the mystery!
Killing at Errwood Hall
An 1847 newspaper clipping reports a ‘desperate burglary, in which one of the burglars was killed’ at Errwood Hall. The gamekeeper was said to have fired the fatal shot. But did he?
Is this Old Goyt’s Lane?
A recently discovered photo from the 1930s seems to show Old Goyt’s Lane, and prove that cars were capable of tackling what seems a steep and difficult road. Or did it?
Closure of Errwood grounds
Mary, the last of the Grimshawes, took such offence at the desecration of St Joseph’s Shrine that she closed public access to the entire grounds of the Errwood Estate.
1930s Goyt Valley photos
“I was going through some old photos dating to 1930/31 and there are several taken at Goyt Bridge. I have never been there myself but my father was involved with it at the time.”
Walk 17: Foxlow Edge
A perfect short stroll for dog-walkers, or anyone wanting a quick breath of bracing Peak District air. Particularly if you prefer getting away from the more popular walks around the twin reservoirs.
Another Fernilee walk
I’d been saving this gentle three-mile stroll around Fernilee Reservoir until the weather improved, to capture the glorious greens along the woodland paths. It never disappoints!
Goytsclough video online
I’ve finally caught up with all my Goyt Valley walk videos, having just added walk 15; a five mile circuit from Errwood to discover what remains of the paint mill at Goytsclough.