Buxton and the Goyt Valley - a moorland walk
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Join us on a bracing moorland walk from Buxton to the Goyt valley, and back again. We’ll be walking over the moors to the west of Buxton, with sweeping views all around, so expect a fairly strenuous walk. The route is rough and rocky underfoot in places and likely to be wet and muddy in others, so you’ll need a good pair of boots on your feet. It can still be cold and windy on the moors in May so, depending on the weather, you’ll need warm clothing and waterproofs. The walk is 9.5 miles / 15.5 kilometres in length with 470 metres of ascent.
Buxton is a well-known thermal spa town, and a source of mineral drinking water, nestled in the hills of the Peak District National Park. A town with much Georgian and Victorian architecture, and attractive green spaces, it has a busy programme of music, theatre and other events which attract many visitors.
The Goyt valley is a wild and remote valley, now dominated by two reservoirs fed by the river Goyt. Both reservoirs were built by Stockport Corporation Waterworks to provide drinking water for the town of Stockport and the surrounding area. Fernilee Reservoir was completed in 1938 when the hamlet of Goyt's Bridge and Errwood Hall were demolished to prevent water pollution. A second reservoir, Errwood, was constructed later in 1967.
Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under control at all times and on a lead where necessary.
If the event is fully booked, join the wait list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place.
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Photo credits: all photos by the event leader with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be ok.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab.
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with hand sanitiser, bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for personal use only) is a good idea.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks for along the way and sufficient fluids (hot or cold) to drink during the walk. A hot drink is recommended in cooler weather.
Buxton has plenty of opportunities for eating and drinking. We may meet up for a drink or a bite to eat in town after the walk. It's a bank holiday weekend so the town may be busy!