
Goyt Valley
A less-visited Peak District gem offering dramatic valleys, open moorland, reservoirs, and historical ruins for diverse outdoor adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fungi & misty views

Goyt Valley
Best Time
Spectacular fungi & misty views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A less-visited Peak District gem offering dramatic valleys, open moorland, reservoirs, and historical ruins for diverse outdoor adventures.
"A real hidden gem not as busy as other areas of the district which is a bonus at the weekend."

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking spots are available throughout the Goyt Valley, making access easy for drivers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Millennium Walkway
New Mills
A spectacular 160m bridge offering stunning views over the Goyt River ridge. Perfect for photos!

Errwood Reservoir
Goyt Valley
A prominent landmark with beautiful water views and remnants of industrial history.

Autumn Fungi Spectacle
Various locations
Witness an incredible display of fungi, including vibrant fly agarics, during autumn.

Ruins of Errwood Hall
Near Errwood Reservoir
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a once grand manor house, adding a historical touch to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Varied Terrain
Hidden Gem: Enjoy Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking spots are available throughout the Goyt Valley, making access easy for drivers.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be patchy. Download trail maps beforehand to navigate easily.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Facilities are limited. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking spots are available throughout the Goyt Valley, making access easy for drivers.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be patchy. Download trail maps beforehand to navigate easily.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Facilities are limited. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
📸 Capture the Views
The valley offers breathtaking scenery, especially the Millennium Walkway. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Goyt Valley as a hidden gem with stunning scenery, diverse walking opportunities, and free parking. The Millennium Walkway and reservoir walks are highlights, offering a peaceful escape from busier Peak District spots. Some note the limited facilities and the impact of past wildfires.
"A very interesting and less visited area of the Peak District, where narrow, steep sided valleys contrast with bleak open moorland, providing opportunities for long and varied walks.
The Errwood and Fernilee reservoirs are prominent landmarks within the valley, with remains of an industrial past and ruins of the once grand manor house of Errwood Hall still visible in the area today. These echoes of the past create an atmosphere that you have to experience first hand to appreciate.
An extensive network of well marked footpaths provide good access to the valley, and the drive past the reservoirs to Derbyshire Bridge is equally enjoyable. There are plenty of free parking places in the area, though facilities are very limited so it won't be for everyone."
Andrew Thomas
"Lovely areas for walks; magnificent autumn fungi - have never seen as many fly agarics."
Mike LEE
"Plenty of parking within Goyt Valley.
Lots of walks in all direction's with great scenery"
robert plewinski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Goyt Valley is easily accessible from Manchester. You can take a train to New Mills, which is just 30 minutes away, and then explore the Millennium Walkway.
Driving is also a popular option, with several free parking areas available within the valley.Yes, public transport is an option. Trains run to nearby New Mills, offering a gateway to parts of the valley like the Millennium Walkway.
For deeper exploration, a car is generally more convenient for accessing various trailheads and parking spots.The drive past the Errwood and Fernilee reservoirs to Derbyshire Bridge is scenic and enjoyable.
Roads can be narrow and winding in places, so drive with care.While there isn't a formal park and ride system, many visitors find the free parking areas within the valley to be sufficient.
Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, can help secure a spot.Yes, cycling is a popular activity in Goyt Valley. There are road cycling routes, including gentle hill climbs, and mountain biking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Goyt Valley is part of the Peak District National Park and is free to enter.
Parking is also free in designated areas.Goyt Valley is an open natural landscape and does not have set opening hours. It is accessible at all times, though daylight hours are best for hiking and photography.
No advance booking is required as Goyt Valley is a natural area with free access.
Visitors should be mindful of the natural environment and any ongoing conservation efforts. In the past, wildfires have impacted areas, so always check local advisories.
Yes, the Millennium Walkway in New Mills is a public access point and is free to walk across.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Goyt Valley offers an extensive network of well-marked footpaths for varied walks.
Popular options include the Millennium Walkway loop, walks around Errwood Reservoir, and longer routes incorporating Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks.Yes, Goyt Valley has options for families. Shorter, flatter walks around the reservoirs or the Millennium Walkway are suitable for younger children.
Ensure you have appropriate gear and snacks.During autumn, the valley is known for its magnificent fungi, including fly agarics.
You might also spot various bird species and other small wildlife common to moorland and woodland habitats.Facilities are very limited in Goyt Valley. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive and pack all your own food and drinks.
Explore the ruins of Errwood Hall and learn about the area's industrial past. The reservoirs themselves are also prominent landmarks with historical significance.
📸 📸 Photography
The Millennium Walkway offers dramatic perspectives,
Errwood Reservoir provides beautiful water reflections, and the ruins of Errwood Hall add a touch of atmospheric history. Autumn colors are also a photographer's dream.Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow over the hills.
Misty conditions can also create dramatic and moody shots.Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. It's best to check the Peak District National Park guidelines and local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
While the damage is a stark reminder, it's important to be respectful of the environment and any ongoing recovery efforts. Focus on the resilience of nature and the beauty that remains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Goyt Valley's Diverse Trails
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, mountain biking trails are also popular, with some challenging routes available. Remember that conditions can vary significantly, especially after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential. Downloading offline maps is also a wise precaution, as mobile signal can be unreliable in certain areas.
When planning your hike, consider the time of year. Autumn brings a spectacular display of fungi, including the iconic fly agaric, making it a magical time for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The valley's varied terrain and extensive trail system ensure that no two visits are quite the same, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
A Glimpse into Goyt Valley's Past
The area also bears the scars of more recent events, including moorland fires. While these events are unfortunate, they highlight the wild and dynamic nature of the landscape. The resilience of nature is often evident, with recovery efforts underway and new growth emerging.
For those interested in the industrial heritage, exploring the valley offers a chance to connect with the lives and work of those who shaped this landscape. The combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Goyt Valley a truly captivating destination for those who appreciate a sense of place and time.
Cycling Adventures in Goyt Valley
For mountain bikers, Goyt Valley boasts dedicated trails that offer more technical challenges and thrilling descents. The varied terrain, from woodland paths to more open tracks, provides an exciting experience for off-road enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely road ride or an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike session, Goyt Valley has something to offer.
Cyclists should be prepared for the weather, which can change quickly in the Peak District. As with hiking, having a map and being aware of the terrain is advisable. The free parking available makes it convenient for cyclists to access various starting points for their rides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit