Goyt Miles Without Stiles

Goyt Miles Without Stiles is a 2 km out-and-back on the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. From the car park, a firm, mostly level track runs above a small reservoir to the old railway embankment. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. It is an easy choice for open moorland views without a steep hill or long day. The official 1 km figure is one way; this is the full return.

Pass the field gate and follow a broad compacted track. The reservoir is beside the start, then the view opens across Goyt Valley's moor and woodland. A lone tree with a bench marks the turnaround. The old railway linked the Cromford and Peak Forest canals. The reservoir supplied water for the stationary engine that hauled trains up the incline and once froze for Victorian ice skating. Curlew may call across the moors. For a photo, keep the track in the foreground as it runs through the open grass and stone-walled embankment.

Use the small Goyt's Lane car park off the A5004; another compacted-stone area is across the road. Cross to the field gate and pass left. There are no toilets at the start or food on the route, so Buxton is the nearest facilities. Dogs are allowed but keep them under close control around livestock and nesting birds. The accessible route ends at the embankment; onward to Burbage Tunnel is a rougher walk.