Start at: Trentabank Reservoir
Grid ref: SJ960711
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 20.5 kilometres
Total ascent: 894 meters
Approx. time needed: 6 hrs 37 mins
Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor
From the Car Park at Trentabank Reservoir take the short path to the right, alongside the road, to join the main path heading that starts the climb through the forest. The path heads steadily uphill to a junction, where you turn left, guided by a wooden sign towards Shutlingsloe. Pass through a gate onto a bridleway which skirts the forest boundary before heading right at the next Shutlingsloe signpost and through a gate onto open moorland.
Once onto the moorland an obvious paved path continues to climb, crossing a bridge before a stile leads to the first clear view of Shutlingsloe ahead. A wall on the right hand side guides the way to another stile from where a short, but steep climb, up the side of Shutlingsloe leads to the summit trig point and a brass plaque indicating the names of surrounding hills and features. From here there are extensive views across the whole Cheshire Plain to Liverpool and on a good day the Welsh mountains.
From the summit of Shutlingsloe head west then south west to descend the opposite side of the hill and join the track south of Banktop. Turn left here along the farm track that runs parallel to the road with woods on your right. Cross the road, then cross another smaller road just past Clough House to reach Cumberland Brook. The path now climbs steadily uphill to a small bridge and a left turn again climbing uphill alongside a stream to join a wide track across the moorland. Continuing north the Cat & Fiddle pub on the skyline finally comes into view and provides a perfect break. On reaching pub turn left along the side of the busy A537 for a hundred yards to a lay-by on the right and a hard track heading straight across the moors. Take this track to the first junction, where a right turn leads to a gate and signpost above the Goyt Valley. Turn left here for the steep climb up to the summit of Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire.
At the Summit of Shining Tor turn right to a stile on your left after a few yards. The path now heads downhill over open moorland to Lamaload Reservoir, passing woods on your left. On reaching the road turn right, then turn left into the car park at the reservoir. A path through the woods on the north side of the reservoir heads left to a junction, where you should turn left to walk down the other side of Lamaload. Follow this path south east to Lower Ballgreave farm, then turn right at the main path junction atSj 972 745. A path now climbs south west to the main A 537 (take care – busy road) at Walker Barn. At the road turn right and go round the right hand bend before crossing the road and taking a minor road on the left. Almost immediately take the stile on the left and head uphill towards the obvious farm buildings. Pass Warrilowhead Farm on your left and continue uphill past Ashtreetop before crossing a minor road (Hacked Way Lane). Cross Hacked Way Lane into macclesfield Forest and continue to a junction where you turn left. After a few yards you meet the main track heading downhill to the south. After another mile you emerge onto a minor road. This road and the next are part of the Cheshire “Quiet Lanes” initiative where priority is equal between pedestrians, cars, bikes and horses. Turn right along the road and continue past Higher Ridgegate on your right to a road junction at the corner of Ridgegate Reservopir. Turn sharp left at the junction and follow the road alongside the reservoir to another junction where a left turn will bring you back to your starting point.