Did you know that there is a physical link between the Peak District & the home of the world famous rock band The Beatles? No, well let me explain.

The Goyt Valley is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty within the Peak District National Park. It lies just southwest of Whaley Bridge (a few minutes from our cottage) and only a few miles from Buxton.

The scenery in the valley and on the surrounding hills typifies this area of the Peak District known as the High Peak or Dark Peak and is made up of a beautiful patchwork of high moorland, lush green river valleys, woodland and farmland with grazing cattle and sheep. To my shame, I don’t have any photographs of the Goyt Valley but you can have a look at this Goyt Valley Photo Gallery – although I don’t think it does the area justice.

Small streams that are formed high up on the hills surrounding the valley literally provide the source of the link to Liverpool. The streams run down into the valley where they merge to form the River Goyt. The river then flows through Whaley Bridge and on to Stockport where, with the addition of the rivers Etherow and Tame, it becomes the world famous River Mersey and hence the link between the Peak District & Liverpool!

If you fancy visiting the Goyt Valley there is plenty to do. The varied landscape provides the opportunity to take part in many outdoor activities including fishing, sailing, cycling, bird watching, horse riding, walking and running. The natural Goyt valley also has the addition of two man made reservoirs, Errwood & Fernilee which provide habitat for different wildlife and the home of Errwood Sailing Club. There are some great circular routes you can follow and although there is no formal access agreement on the open moorland, a network of concessionary and public paths means there is access for running and walking throughout the valley.

To find out more about this glorious bit of the Peak District you can try these:

Peak District National Park Goyt Valley leaflet
Goyt Valley Information Site