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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.
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.
The ‘blacked-up’ band
The ‘blacked-up’ faces of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mill’s brass band provide a fascinating glimpse into a time and place which are now completely lost. What can it all mean?
Goyt’s Bridge then and now
I’ve tried to match an old photo of the small hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge with today’s scene across Errwood Reservoir, and merge one over the other. It’s not perfect, but it’s fairly close.
The last of the Grimshawes
The death of Mary, the last of the Grimshawes, in 1930 marked the end of a century-long era in the Goyt Valley. Work on Fernilee Reservoir began soon after. And Errwood Hall was to be demolished.
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.
Disabled access
UK Paralympian gold medalist and discus world record breaker, John Harris, highlights two tracks in the Goyt Valley which are suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
Goyt’s Bridge to music
A shorter version of the 1932 cine film of Goyt’s Bridge set to music, showing views around the stepping stones and packhorse bridge, with glimpses of Gatehouse Cottage.
Ancient maps
Now lying under Errwood Reservoir, Goyt’s Bridge was once an idyllic spot, attracting visitors from far and wide. But what of its history before the tourists arrived? Old maps can offer a few clues…
The lost bridge
Goyt’s Bridge, carrying Goyt’s Lane over the stream and one of the most popular picnic places, will be submerged, unless some society wishes to remove it for reconstruction elsewhere…
Packhorse routes
Teams of up to 40 sturdy packhorses came through Goyt’s Bridge, carrying everything from salt and coal to stone and cloth. But even small rivers could prove a serious hazard…
Walk 13 added
It’s only taken me four years – but I’ve finally managed to publish walk 13 in the series! It’s a five-mile stroll around Errwood Reservoir with some wonderfully panoramic views along the way.
The John Turner Stone
A mile or two southwest of Jenkin Chapel stands an intriguing stone memorial to John Turner. But who was the mysterious lady who left a single footprint beside his frozen body?
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…
Goytsclough Paint Mill
The Goytsclough Paint Mills provided employment for around 20 people. Crushed baryte was packed in bags and taken by wagon to be loaded onto the High Peak Railway.
Goytsclough Quarry
Stone from Goytsclough Quarry was used to pave both Regent Street and Oxford Street in London. Today, few signs remain of an industry created in the 17th century by the founder of Pickfords Removals.
Ghostly goings-on at the Hall
The women wore hats with brims – not fussy or posh, what I would call ‘Sunday go to meeting hats’. I think this woman might have been in her fifties or so. Her companion was younger and thinner…
Jenkin Chapel
Looking isolated and forgotten, Jenkin Chapel has always intrigued me. It lies between Pym Chair and the village of Rainbow, and at the meeting point of three ancient trackways.
BBC Countryfile features the Goyt Valley
The UK’s most successful Paralympian, Dame Sarah Story, was featured on BBC Countryfile explaining why the Goyt Valley is her favourite training route.
Walk maps completed
I’ve finally managed to create maps and instructions for the 12 Goyt Valley walks featured on this website. I’ve also redesigned the site to make it easier to view on mobile devices like smart phones.