In September 2019, 3.5 kilometres of the unnamed one-way road from Errwood Hall to Derbyshire Bridge in the Upper Goyt Valley west of Buxton was closed to vehicle traffic for subsidence works, lasting almost six months.

Cocooned within the valley walls only a few miles south of Whaley Bridge and within reach of Manchester, it was possible to only hear the wind, water and wildlife — and occasional whir of a bike or walkers’ conversations — without constant interruption from passing engines.

During this time, it was possible for walkers and cyclists to enjoy the full use of this spectacular road without vehicles suddenly approaching, forcing them to the often narrow verges with sheer drops.

This narrow road was only made one-way in 1980, as a way to manage increasing car traffic through the valley. Since then, cycling both ways has also been legally banned, preventing it being used as a useful return route from the Peak District to Whaley Bridge, for 40 years. The nearest alternative, the A5004 Long Hill, is much better for driving but can be incredibly unpleasant for cycling - with a 50 mph speed limit, narrow lanes and harp, blind bends.

So, let’s make the Upper Goyt Valley between Goytsclough Quarry and Derbyshire Bridge into a multi-user traffic-free route fit for the 21st Century.

One way for cars or two way for everyone else?

The existing one-way system inconveniences walkers due to the narrowness of the road and particularly cyclists due to the inability to safely and legally cycle back down into the valley, removing what could be a useful and safe two-way route between the High Peak and the wider Peak District, bypassing the busy and intimidating roads through Buxton.

This isn't even such a bold suggestion. The road is already closed every Sunday in summer to "manage traffic" and allow more space for walkers and cyclists. It's really popular, too - so why should the majority of users only have one day to enjoy it like this?

Turning the upper section into a traffic-free “greenway” trail would create an incredible local asset, giving the people of Derbyshire and neighbouring areas a safe, wide, well surfaced, two-way route for walking, cycling, horse riding, wheelchair and scooter access, ready for use immediately. Emergency access could be maintained and, by scrapping the one-way system, improved by removing unnecessary vehicle traffic.

The proposal

As soon as I launched this petition, I was blown away by how popular the suggestion was and how much support it gained from all corners. Following feedback, I’ve adjusted and improved the proposal to take account of some peoples’ concerns, hopefully creating an access arrangement that can continue to work for everyone while still ensuring the key aim of a “traffic free” upper Goyt Valley greenway.

Rather than close the road to motor vehicles all the way down at Errwood Hall, I’m now suggesting that access should be maintained as far as Goytsclough Quarry on weekdays at least. This will allow people to drive right up as far as the old packhorse bridge with a good area for parking and turning, ensuring no-one is disadvantaged in accessing this special place.

The road between Errwood Hall and Goytsclough Quarry is wider and has several existing passing places with space for others. While this wouldn’t quite provide the full car-free space desired, it feels a more achievable aim and balances all users. It’s only beyond Goytsclough Quarry, higher up the valley, that the road gets very narrow and it’s this section which really must be made car-free. Importantly, this would still remove all “through traffic” from the valley, which appears to be the most problematic in terms of speeding and impatience for other road users.

The section to be closed to motor vehicles would therefore be only 1 mile in length, with car parks at either end, and an easy gradient between the two ideal for all users to explore by foot, wheel or horseback.

Other roads in the area provide perfectly good routes both in to, out of and through the Goyt Valley, with no less than seven official car parks and several further parking spots allowing access to this marvellous countryside from all directions.

Please sign this petition, share, and write to Derbyshire County Council. Urge them to take this forward, act now and keep the upper Goyt Valley road closed for cars, open for people, for good.