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…
The Gaskells of Ingersley Hall
Bridget Franklin writes: “I live in Rainow and have been researching the Gaskells of Ingersley Hall for some time. Although the family has not died out, most old letters and photos etc were destroyed after the last permanent resident Anne Theodora Gaskell died in 1923.”
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.
Errwood Bridge
“The photo shows a bridge over a stream but seemingly not Goyt’s Bridge. I can sort of remember it, it was a delightful place, the sort my parents sought out for picnics…”
Goyt’s Bridge cafes
“Victorian visitors travelled many miles in their horsedrawn carriages, not just to see the wonderful Goyt Valley in summer, but to admire and enjoy the gardens with their variety and beauty. Then to take tea…”
Life below stairs
“These rich Lords and Ladies had a London Home and also one near Manchester. It was called Errwood Hall and there were five Lords and Ladies, a Priest and 20 servants…”
Visiting the powder mills (1874)
“In the valley at the foot of towering heights, clad with trees and verdure, there are situated the Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, occupying a very extensive area.”
Fernilee Powder Mill
“We are sorry to state that an explosion took place at the Powder Mills, at Fernilee, in the stoving house, by which two unfortunate creatures were in one moment deprived of their existence.”
Cromford & High Peak Railway
Opened in 1831, this 33 mile railway connected the Cromford Canal with the Peak Forest Canal in Whaley Bridge and was a triumph of Victorian ingenuity and determination.
Castedge Coal Mine
Old OS maps show a ‘Coal Pit’ between Errwood Hall and Castedge Farmhouse. The entrance to the mine has long since been blocked and is now covered by thick undergrowth.
