Macclesfield Forest and Shutlingsloe Circular

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Lowland and Hill Walks
Oct 30
2021

6 people attending

9 places left

Your price
£12.50
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Easy Moderate Very Hard
Some ascent, and terrain could be muddy, boggy

An approximate 6 mile walk, the terrain will be difficult in parts as there are boggy areas to the walk, along with a steep assent  through the Forest to the summit of Shutlingsloe (total assent 305m) followed by a steep descent . At the top of Shutlingsloe there is a circular walk around the hill which isn’t well marked and will be slippery, muddy  and challenging depending on the weather.

Starting from Trentabank car park we will go East into the forest and follow the path towards Ballin Brooks. This will take us past the first Reservoir, Trentabank. The Forest will be pretty at this time of year with plenty of leaves underfoot and those amazing Autumn  smells to take in. When we arrive at the carpark at the end of this part of the forest trail we will be taking a turn right, and onto another track taking us further uphill before taking a little path to the left and back into some woodland and a little more tricky (and slippery) terrain.

When we come out the other side of this wooded area,  we will come onto a more level walk on moorland, however don’t be fooled. This part of the walk has an unusual footpath of plastic mesh. This sinks into the bog and you can end up in deeper water than the path first suggests (I know from experience and damp boots). 

The amazing (mini mountain, but hill really, at 506m) Shutlingsloe will be visible in the distance. This stands to the south of Macclesfield Forest, on the edge of the Peak District.  We will continue to follow the path to the summit, but this Path does improve after we pass through a gate which leads to the summit. Shutlingsloe, known as the Matterhorn of the Peak District for its pointy shape,  is a steep-sided hill but when we arrive at the top there will, hopefully, be excellent views over Cheshire and Derbyshire.

After taking in the view we will navigate the our way down the west side of Shutlingsloe around the base and back on  the path to the South. This is a tricky part of the walk as this is not a clear path for the most part. So careful footing will be required.

When we get back on the footpath we will walk back towards Macclesfield via Nessit Hill. At Nessit Hill we will stop for lunch and take in the amazing views where we will see Trentabank Reservoir and Ridgegate Reservoir (with Bottoms Reservoir in the background for those interested) as well as the  Forest and Teggs nose.

After lunch we will follow the path back down into the Forest, this is a steep decent leading to Ridgegate Reservoir. We will follow the path along the reservoir which will take us out at [Leather’s] Smithy pub were we can take in a pint. When we are ready we will continue following the reservoir and through a little wooded path before heading back to the car park.

 

All images provided by OutdoorLads members, and used with permission.

 

 

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