WHY GO
Follow a woodland path above Errwood Reservoir to the stone remains of a Victorian country house in the Goyt Valley.
Errwood Hall’s remaining walls and a surviving archway sit among the trees above the reservoir, a quiet trace of the Goyt Valley’s former country estate. The house was built for the Grimshawe family around 1840 and demolished during the reservoir-building period in the 1930s. Today the approach from the lakeside car park gives a sense of how the house fitted into its wooded setting. Enjoy the remains from the permitted paths and open areas, respecting any barriers around the fragile masonry. The ruins can be a destination in their own right or part of a longer, separately planned valley walk.
Before you set out
Details and coordinates can be incomplete or out of date. Check current access, conditions, weather and your route with the site operator before travelling. This is not live navigation or emergency guidance.
Plan a safe visit
Editorial review: 30 October 2026. Conditions may change.
Approach
Approach by road from the A5004 via Goyt’s Lane, following the valley signs and one-way restrictions. From Errwood Hall car park, follow the signed dirt path uphill away from the reservoir, through the wall gap towards the hall; the National Park route then reaches stone steps and a right-hand detour to the ruins. Allow approximately 15 minutes one way, based on a published 10–15-minute approach. Respect all fences and diversions.
Walking time from arrival (one way)
15 minutes (approximate)
Terrain & steps
Uphill dirt and woodland paths, uneven rocky ground and stone steps, with fragile masonry and changes of level around the ruins.
Accessibility
The described hall approach includes stone steps and is not step-free. General accessible routes elsewhere in the Goyt Valley do not establish wheelchair access to these ruins.
Access & restrictions
The car park is free. The road from Errwood towards Derbyshire Bridge is one-way; Forestry England lists Sunday/bank-holiday vehicle restrictions from 1 May to the end of September, 10.30am–5.30pm. Follow current road signs. Stay out of any fenced or closed areas. The Goyt Valley packhorse bridge remains closed according to United Utilities; this is a separate site and is not required for the described direct hall approach.
Facilities
Parking and picnic opportunities are available near the reservoir. No public toilets are established at this car park; the National Park currently lists Derbyshire Bridge toilets as temporarily closed. Do not rely on seasonal mobile refreshments.
Seasonal considerations
Check forestry-operation notices and road restrictions before travel. Mud, wet leaves and ice can affect the uphill path. Current removal of older safety fencing around the hall has not been confirmed, so some areas may remain unavailable.
Sources & further reading
The references behind this entry. Use current site guidance for visiting arrangements.
