The Goyt Valley Grinder is a route originally spotted by Andy S on the Peaks & Puddles website. It is a cycle route exploring the Goyt Valley reservoirs which are reached by pleasant canals and scenic back roads. We decided to have a go at it … with a few amendments.

It was a warm September day when we met at Marple Memorial Park. You’ll notice there aren’t too many photos of me … probably because I was taking all the photos!

We began by cycling up Strines Road heading towards New Mills.

At New Mills we cycled through the town and then made our way down to the Peak Forest canal.

Once on the canal we followed the towpath for a couple of miles.

At Whaley Bridge Junction we cycled under the Bugsworth arm of the canal at the Bridgemont Aqueduct before continuing along the canal a little further to Whaley Bridge basin.

Leaving the canal at the basin we crossed the girder railway bridge over the River Goyt.

 Then picked up an abandoned section of the Cromford & High Peak Railway known as Whaley Bridge Incline. 

Next, we climbed up Old Road and joined NCN Route 68. This, of course, forms a section of the Pennine Cycleway.

After crossing Chapel Road, we made our way into Elnor Lane and pretty much straight into a tough climb out of Whaley Bridge.

Thankfully, once at the top, the views open out into the Upper Goyt Valley.

Then, after cycling through the village of Fernilee, we dropped down to Long Hill. We weren’t on this very long, before turning right into a lane that dropped us down to the end of Fernilee Reservoir.

After admiring the view out over the reservoir we continued on and followed the lane up a sharp rise to Oldfields Farm. Then a switchback on to a track into Goyt Forest.

The track continues to climb and eventually opens up (thanks to tree-felling) to provide some spectacular views out over the reservoir.

At the far end of the track we returned to tarmac when turning right on to The Street. Here we could enjoy the view out to Shining Tor.

As the climbing continued, The Street became Embridge Causeway.

After one final climb, we reached the top of Pym Chair. From here there were some fabulous views out over Cheshire. 

We then turned right into Side End Lane and made our way down the hill.

Taking in the landscape ahead as we free-wheeled down, the views were simply breathtaking.

We cycled past Windgather Rocks and all the rock-climbers scaling the crag.

Halfway down the descent we turned right into Clayholes Road.

The fine views continued as we cycled below Taxal Edge.

Eventually, we joined Macclesfield Road and then Buxton Road as we veered off the original route and instead returned to the centre of Whaley Bridge. At least we were still descending while doing so.

In Whaley Bridge we enjoyed a late lunch at Little Fika cafe.

Following our lunch stop, we rejoined the Peak Forest canal.

This time, as we passed the Swizzels Matlow factory at New Mills we stayed on the canal towpath for a few extra miles.

At Hollinwood Lane we left the canal and took in a sharp climb up to Marpleridge.

We cycled along the ridge to Hawk Green.

Our ride finished off by cycling along Windlehurst Lane and then Torkington Lane. 

This 24 mile route makes for a challenging cycle ride. That challenge, however, is worth it. The Goyt Valley offers some spectacular views along some lovely quiet lanes and tracks. 

You can view our Goyt Valley Grinder route below: