If you’re heading anywhere near the east-midlands region of England, the stunning heather moorlands of the Goyt Valley is a must-visit. Easily accessible on a day trip from Manchester and only twelve minutes out from the highest market town of Buxton, it would make a truly magical, wonderfully quiet and scenic getaway for the lucky few.
A valley shaped and carved in succession of ice ages, re imagined by man, nurtured and preserved by time.
Easily accessible and signposted just off the A5004 between Buxton and Whaley Bridge, Goyt Valley is a summertime dream in The Peak District National Park. As part of the twelve National Parks of England and Wales, it continues to be one of the most preserved and safe guarded areas of beautiful scenery. Mostly due to its unique birdlife of international importance, its rich industrial heritage and sheep farming being its main agricultural activity in the high moorlands since the 1500’s.
Whilst I could have easily wander off in the valley without a question in mind, I was curious if anyone actually owns Goyt Valley. Turns out, the name “National Park” where Goyt Valley is apart of, can be misleading – the land is not owned by the nation and just like everywhere else it’s mainly privately owned. There are also full-time Park rangers based on the Derbyshire Bridge and on weekends, are assisted by part-time rangers who work closely with local farmers, land owners and visitors.
I absolutely adored my time exploring Goyt Valley on this road trip. It is one of those random stumbles while driving the bleak moorland road of A5004. While camping is not encouraged, spending the day walking amongst the valley slopes on roman roads that were once medieval packhorse tracks, strolling past pine trees along the banks of small streams can be enjoyed between sun up and sun down, and covered at a gentle pace on foot.
If fatigue hits you, sit down on a piece of flat land and enjoy coffee and a sandwich or two, as long as nothing is left behind.
GREAT FOR
The Goyt Valley walks are all varying in walking distance and starting points. Locals say there use to be a thriving community that vanished here, so if social and industrial history fascinates you, choosing one of these walks could ignite your imagination as you explore.
The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities. Slopes are not particularly difficult, but I recommend not to underestimate the slopes because everyone has a personal definition of a difficulty level.
While strolling on the upper grounds of the moorland, I saw cyclists traversing through deep in the valley. So yes, if you’re looking to explore the Goyt Valley with a bicycle, then this could be your next stop. Although there is one challenging Bunsall incline; according to a BBC feature of UK’s Sarah Storey, a cycling and swimming Paralympian, impressively manage to ride it with her bicycle (locals say, they have enough trouble walking up).
CIRCULAR WALKS IN GOYT VALLEY
The Goyt Valley is pretty much open all year round but terrains in some parts of the circular walk can turn soft and be peaty underfoot and get boggy especially after rain. While it may not be a big bother for most walkers, it’s not the most thrilling track for mountain bikers. Eventually cyclists would end up carrying the bike to climb the steep incline.
I did the Goyt Valley Short Circular which has a difficulty level of easy to moderate. In reality, there are several steep sections at the start and are also scattered throughout the trail, which can be a challenge for some.
Don’t be too despondent though, because if you take it easy, it can be pleasant.
Here are 8 free circular walks in Goyt Valley that I’ve saved on All Trails:
- Shining Tor and Goyt Valley Circular | Moderate
- Goyt Valley Circular | Cats Tor and Shining Tor Circular | Moderate
- Fernilee Reservoir Extended Circular | Moderate
- Errwood Reservoir and Hall Circular | Moderate
- Goyt’s Lane Walk | Easy
- Goyt Valley and Errwood Reservoir | Moderate
- Buxton and Errwood Circular | Hard
- Taxal Edge and Fernilee Circular | Moderate
Check out full descriptions of each trail here.
MUST DO
The suburbs of Manchester began to grow in the early twentieth century where the demand for clean drinking water was increasing. Stockport corporation bought the Goyt Valley to build the two reservoirs; the Fernilee and Errwood Reservoir.
Today United Utilities own the gathering of the area and supply water to the Stockport region as well as provide water sports and recreational opportunities.
Do a half-day or a full-day trip with activities like canoeing, sailing, canal boating, kayaking and fly fishing in the summer months.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Unfortunately getting to Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs can be rather tricky with public transportation. The best option is to hop on Bus 58 which runs between Macclesfield and Buxton and disembark at the Cat and Fiddle Inn along the A537. That is of course, if you are coming from any points between the two towns.
If you’re not sure from which points you’ll be coming from, check price and schedules here.
Although there is a little outside-the-box suggestion; you can plan your route around Goyt Valley by cycling from any of the four English cities nearby – Manchester, Derby, Sheffield and Stoke-On-Trent. The tarmac main roads offer epic views, leg-dragging and morale-sapping climbs up steep inclines.
But if the freedom to move around privately at a faster pace is more your thing, you have the option to rent a car instead. Simply use SK17 6GJ on Google Maps or SAT-NAV to arrive at Errwood Car Park or SK17 6SX to park at The Street Car Park.
BUDGET BREAKER OR MAKER?
Maker. The cost of getting there and away depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re driving you can’t exactly run away from fuel costs. But taking the bus or venturing out via cycling is definitely the budget-friendlier option for a trip to Goyt Valley.
The moorland roads are especially attractive to cyclists as it offers a comprehensive route taking in all four corners of the Peak District National Park. Adding Goyt Valley as one of their many stops en route is not uncommon and definitely beats being stuck in traffic on your way to and out of Goyt Valley.
There are also bike-friendly pubs and B&Bs to stay for a night or two.
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