I got the boots on again this week and ventured out on to the higher ground above The Goyt Valley. Nothing life threatening here, just a nice walk in good country which I had all to myself, save for my good lady wife who accompanied me for the day. We met not one other walker during the nine miles or so that we tramped about – amazing really considering the excellent walking and fine scenery that this area has to offer, even the valley itself seemed unusually quiet for this time of the year.

Having left the transport on the free car park on the west side of Errwood Reservoir we crossed the dam and climbed steadily to reach the dismantled railway track which offers grand views back down to the valley below, and we spent some time here enjoying the scene , and of course our morning coffee. Soon we were climbing again into open country before descending once more, and with easier walking, to reach Beet Wood, Plex Farm and Shay Lodge. At this point we joined the old Macclesfield to Buxton road, which very soon becomes a broken and shattered track, and walked up and over to the isolated car park at Derbyshire Bridge. Unfortunately the route now involves a section of tarmac, the first part of which is relatively quiet, the second part however being a half-mile plod along the busy A557 to pass the Cat and Fiddle PH, now sadly deserted and open to let. Having survived this “road trip” experience it was a relief to turn off again into the wide expanses of the quiet moorland and following our second refreshment break we made our way along the wonderful path above Stake Side and eventually back down to the valley floor and our waiting vehicle.

The options from the chosen parking spot here are many and excursions can be as long or as short, as high or as low, as the walker requires for his or her day out in the countryside. In the main the paths and tracks are well established and fine hill scenery can be guaranteed whichever route is chosen.