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RECREATION AND TOURISM
The Goyt Valley is a very popular area of the Peak District National Park, with about 390,000 day visits a year (Visitor Survey 1986/87). Active visitors enjoy walking, cycling, climbing, horseriding, fishing and sailing. Many people drive through the valley to enjoy the scenery and maybe stop for a picnic. All these activities have to fit in with the basic land use of the valley.
Although there is no formal access agreement on the open moorland, a network of concessionary and public paths give access throughout the valley.
A National Park ranger (also partly funded by Forest enterprise and North West Water) is assisted at the weekends by part-time patrol rangers.
Six car parks (some with information boards) provide for 500 cars and there are three picnic areas and toilet blocks - two, one at each end of the valley, are open all year. There are two car parks for people with disabilities. A wheelchair route runs alongside Errwood reservoir during times of road closure (see below). Another wheelchair route follows the track of the former High Peak Railway and winds into the heart of the moorland. There is no accommodation of camping provision in the area.
The Goyt has been a popular area for visitors throughout this century but growing car ownership has increased the pressure on the valley. The greatest visitor pressure is around Errwood reservoir with Derbyshire Bridge as an attraction for the more active visitor.
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| The Packhorse Bridge |
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Sailing on Errwood Reservoir
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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME
The approach roads to the valley are narrow and difficult for coaches an there is no coach parking. A Traffic Management Scheme was introduced in 1970 and involved the closing of the central section of the valley road at peak times in summer. At present the road is closed to visitor traffic between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1st May to the end of September. A park-and-walk system operates in this area.
UPPER GOYT LIAISON GROUP
Since 1985 this group (with representatives from the National Park Authority, Forest Enterprise, North West Water and other organisations) has been responsible for guiding day to day management issues.
The joint management consists of working, in partnership with other bodies, to help maintain the balance between agriculture, forestry, water supply, nature conservation and recreation.
Detailed ecological and archaeological surveys are being carried out at present. The information provided will help to guide future management decisions. Any proposals for increased provision for visitors have to be carefully considered in relation to the balance of land use.
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