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Navigation: routes Completely reviewed: August 2025
 
     
 
 
Details here mostly take the form of two PDF files. One a map and one a page of text. All pages are produced to a standard A4. PDF files can be printed or added to a smart phone for use in the field. No need to use mobile data or rely on a signal. All routes either within the Goyt Valley or include the Goyt Valley in some significant part. Routes include sufficient BNG (British National Grid) information to enable users to calculated BNG references for their own wildlife sighting recording purposes.

As of September 2025, routes indicated with 'GPX included' in the name column, will include a folder containing a GPX file and related content. I do not use GPX files but others may, if not familiar with the area. I have used the GPX data to generate useful route visualisations via the use of third-party software. If you wish to learn more on the GPX information provided, visit this page and return here after.

The routes listed in the table below are walking routes. They were (and still are) developed principally for my own wildlife exploration purposes. They will not be demanding enough as walking routes for most people. I routinely carry 11kg of technical harness and camera equipment plus a lot of years. The descriptions aim to highlight and connect well-known Goyt Valley key places on the routes.

In macro lens hunting season I may spend hours on a short route and in Winter (cooler), combine multiple routes listed, when I am primarily maintaining my mobility, but still carrying a lot of kit. Most downloads are in the form of zipped (archived folders).
 
Any route considered suitable for Class 2 or Class 3 motorised scooters will be flagged (aside from obvious road routes). Those routes may include a third PDF file containing images so people can form their own opinion on the suitability of the terrain and general environment, for their own type of scooter and personal interests.  
 
Please Note: Routes are mostly circular. Circumstances vary on the day. I may travel clockwise or anti-clockwise. I may change base camps (car parks) for the routes. This can be influenced by the forecast, season, date, time and where the sun is shining if I have a particular photography or wildlife subject in mind on the day. Nothing will ever be set in stone. This is why car park locations now feature as well.
 
Name Description Distance Last Reviewed
       
  Supporting options on some routes    
       
Unnamed Clough A shortcut off The Tors (between Shining Tor and Pym Chair) back to Errwood Hall that I have sometimes been asked about by visitors to the Goyt Valley. Anyone tired on a circular route could take this shortcut back to Errwood Hall. Routes which use or could benefit from this shortcut, have the PDF file included in the zipped folder by default. These routes are marked with an asterisk next to their distance data. To see the whole stretch of the track visit landscape Page N. Only suitable for the fully mobile.   27.08.2025
       
GV Detour 01 This is an option which begins at the vehicular and pedestrian access gates where the Goyt Forest trail (Route 2) hits The Street and meanders down to the Errwood via heavy undergrowth and meadow. It is a short route option avoiding the road itself and is very rich, in season, with insects. Lepidoptera species in particular including the Chimney Sweeper Moth. 0.5 km 29.08.2025
       
       
       
GV Route 01 A popular route with me in and out of season which takes in both Shooter's Clough and Shining Tor. Diverse terrain and interesting travelled either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Starts here at Errwood Hall. Plenty of small creatures. Some great, rugged landscape image opportunities. Plenty of up and down. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 7.4 km* 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 02

GPX included

 Starting at Bunsal Cob this relatively smooth route circumnavigates the Fernilee Reservoir. The West side is more diverse with several more rugged route and terrain options, depending on your preference or purpose on the day. The main route described is well suited to all completely independent all-terrain mobility scooter users. It is a great route anyway with any lens. Pond No: 5 on this route, on the West side. There are also a number of bench seats on the East side.
5.9 km
07.02.2025
       
GV Route 03 A very short route starting at Errwood Hall Car Park 5, this route takes in both St Joseph's Shrine and Foxlow Edge. Although short it includes some useful places to explore for wildlife. This route as presented is far from flat. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 4.4 km 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 04 Starting at Bunsal Cob this route was developed to pick up ponds number 6 and 7. The route extends well outside the Goyt Valley, across the A5004 (Long Hill), passed the White Hall Centre, calling at Pond Number 7 and picking up the Old Steam Pond (Car Park 1) on the return journey. Again this route is far from flat and only suitable for the fully mobile. 7.7 km 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 05 Starts at Errwood Hall car park. A 1km walk first on tarmac leading to a well marked gate and signposted Riverside walk. A short route which follows a well defined path between woods and the Goyt River. Both can be explored en-route to make a short stint into a longer session, or added to another route on the day. Good access to areas next to the River towards the far end, where I snapped a Dipper fishing. The main route user-friendly for motorised scooter users. 3.0 km 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 06

GPX included

 This is essentially a circular tour of the whole Errwood Reservoir, with plenty of interest and options. Half tarmac and the other half somewhat challenging in parts. Boots definitely a must to circumnavigate the often boggy stretches on the East side. The route extends well beyond the reservoir to enable a River Goyt crossing at the Packhorse Bridge. A firm favourite and only suitable for the fully mobile. 7.4 km 27.08.2025

 
       
GV Route 07 This route takes in Pym Chair, Shning Tor, Stakeside and Shooter's Clough before returning to the Errwood Hall Car Park 5. Only suitable for the fully mobile and for me an out-of-season route when it is cooler. 10.8 km* 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 08 A simple Pym Chair to Shining Tor return trip route and ideal for winter if the valley is not accessible due to ice, snow or temporary road closure. Definitely interesting but not especially challenging and may suit the less mobile in good weather. 6.3 km 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 09 This takes in Pym Chair, The Tors (part) and the Unnamed Clough, then back to Errwood Hall. Can be varied as with all routes, starting from Pym Chair Car Park 2, if The Street is closed, as happens from time to time. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 7.4 km* 27.08.2025
       
GV Route 10 This route connects Bunsal Cob, Pond Number 1, the whole of the Old Railway, Wildmoorstone Brook and part of the East side of the Errwood Reservoir. It connects interesting bits that have delivered results for me from time to time. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 6.49 km 05.09.2025
       
GV Route 11

GPX included

 Goytsclough Quarry to Stakeside, returning via Shooter's Clough. This includes one of my favourite tracks at the start (clockwise) in all seasons. A tough route at my age and, especially in winter snow, I always travel clockwise. For images see J in Landscapes in Landscapes. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 7.0 km 11.10.2025

 
       
GV Route 12

GPX included

 Goytsclough Quarry to Stakeside, Shining Tor, Pym Chair and back via The Street. As with Route 11 this includes one of my favourite tracks at the start (clockwise) in all seasons. A tough route at my age and, especially in winter snow I always travel clockwise. For images see J in Landscapes. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 10.9 km* 02.10.2025

 
       
GV Route 13

GPX included

 Errwood Hall to Pym Chair and back again, either on tarmac or grass. Simple route but still has much to offer like all routes. Off-road only suitable for the fully mobile. 6.3 km 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 14 Errwood Hall to Shining Tor via Pym Chair and back again. Straight there and straight back by the same route. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 12.7 km* 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 15

 

 Essentially a much lomger option developed from Route 10, taking in Bunsal Cob, the Old Steam Pond, The Old Railway, Wildmoorstone, the Packhorse Bridge and the West side of the Errwood Reservoir. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 10.1 km 07.09.2025
       
GV Route 16 This was originally a Lamaload route but as a good stretch of the journey is in the Goyt, that now takes precedence. However I prefer to be based at Lamaload Reservoir so the last leg is downhill. I like this route clockwise and it is a good Brown Hare route. My preference is to travel the route in snow. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 9.6 km 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 17 This route takes substantial parts of both routes 2 and 3 to create a combined useful and longer route. A pond and running water included. Takes in all the Fernilee Reservoir, St Joseph's Shrine and Errwood Hall. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 10..0 km 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 18

GPX included

 A straight route from Errwood Hall car park through to Derbyshire Bridge. This includes two interesting diversion options including the short and sweet Route 5. Only suitable for the fully mobile, if including the detour options. 7.5 km 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 19 Another straight and flat route along the 'dismantled railway', which is exceptionally friendly to motorised scooter users. Although short it does not lack interest. Like the rest of the Goyt it is a very special place at all times of the year. Has a car park opposite the entrance point with several designated parking spaces. For images of the whole route see the entry under U in the landscapes section. The Old Railway includes bench seats. 3.8 km 29.08.2025
       
GV Route 20

GPX included

 Another useful route at the far end of the Goyt where I have not worked to any great extent. Includes Derbyshire Bridge and the Packhorse Bridge, plus cross-country goat trails and as always with me, never far from water. In this case a number of ephemeral pools. Only suitable for the fully mobile. 5.6 km 30.09.2025
       
GV Route 21 This route has been designed exclusively for motorised scooter users. Since late 2023 Errwood Hall became accessible to wheelchairs folowing significant (levelling) road improvements in support of the ongoing forestry works taking place in the area. The included PDF text file is fully illustrated (17 pages) showing the whole suitable route up to and beyond Errwood Hall.
3.6 km
30.08.205
       
GV Route 22 A relatively short route and essentially (for me) a nature trail around Errwood Hall rather than a walking route. Ideal in hot weather as it gives me access to the bountiful Pond No: 2. It offers a number of stopping off points where you can chill out in season. Far from flat and only suitable for the fully mobile. 4.2 km 30.08.2025
       
GV Route 23 Another modest route which picks up a new-to-me track with its entrance at the end of Car Park 4, leading up and over Foxlow Edge, returning via St. Joseph's Shrine and the rear of Errwood Hall. Some new potential for landscapes and insects. 5.9 km 30.08.2025
 
  I would appreciate feed-back if there any problems with any of these downloads    
       
 
 
 
A view of Shutlingsloe (Cheshire's second highest peak) resembling a Stratovolcano, from Shining Tor (Cheshire's highest peak) [SJ 994 737 - Elev: 559 metres]. NB The trig point is in Cheshire. The shooting position three metres away is in the Goyt Valley, Derbyshire. Once upon a time Shining Tor was in Derbyshire and was stolen by Cheshire under boundary changes: January 2021 late afternoon.
 
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