High Peak cyclist calls on council to close remote Goyt Valley road to traffic

Anthony Sheridan told how just over two miles of the unnamed highway between Errwood Hall and Derbyshire Bridge had been closed to traffic since September due to subsidence.

During that time outdoor-lovers had been able to ride and walk along the ‘spectacular’ carriageway without fear of vehicles ‘suddenly appearing’.

However because the road - nestled within Goyt’s breathtaking valley walls - is one-way cyclists are forced to negotiate ‘busy and intimidating’ roads through Buxton to avoid riding against the flow of traffic back down into the valley.

Anthony says the route should be turned into a two-way ‘greenway’ trail between the High Peak and the wider Peak District.

He has started a petition in support of the call - which will be presented to Derbyshire County Council and has so far attracted over 1,200 signatures.

Anthony wrote: “Cocooned within the valley walls only a few miles south of Whaley Bridge it is possible to hear only the wind, water and wildlife - and the occasional whir of a bike or walkers’ conversations - without constant interruption from passing engines.

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

“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?”

Anthony says the move would create an ‘incredible local asset’ - giving people a safe two-way route for walking, cycling, horse riding, wheelchair and scooter access.

He added: “Emergency access could be maintained and - by scrapping the one-way system - improved.”

The road is currently scheduled to reopen to one-way vehicle traffic on June 30 or sooner.

To sign the petition click HERE.

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