|
 Shutlingsloe Route Description  10km (6.5 miles)  3 - 4 hours
|
Starting at Trentabank car park in Macclesfield Forest, follow the circular route over Shutlingsloe, Wildboarclough and Oaken Clough back to Trentabank car park. Please note this is a pay and display car park.
Stone walls, old barns and upland meadows dotted with harebells set the scene for this taste of Cheshire's hill country. Rising sharply above the plain, this is a wild, upland landscape, carved from gritstone and grazed by sturdy sheep.
The walk begins in the heart of Macclesfield Forest which was once part of a royal hunting ground. Today it is home to a herd of red deer, as well as badgers, foxes and smaller mammals. Conifer seeds provide a welcome feast for many small birds including tits, siskins and crossbills. |
 |
Leaving the shelter of the trees, the well paved route climbs steadily to the summit of Shutlingsloe which at 506 metres is the second highest peak in the county. Known locally as the Matterhorn of Cheshire, it is a distinctive landmark throughout much of the east of the county. Views from the top are spectacular, with Cheshire to the west and the rolling hills of the Peak District National Park to the east.
The walk drops down from the windy summit into the shelter of Wildboarclough. From here, the path hugs the side of the hill, offering easy walking and a chance to enjoy the walled landscape across the valley. A gentle climb through Oaken Clough is rewarded with views over Macclesfield, before dropping down to the Hanging Gate Inn and following the road back to the forest.
 Accessibility:
Mainly public rights of way with some country lanes. A steady, steep climb up to Shutlingsloe followed by a steep descent.
8 stiles, 2 kissing gates, 5 wickets gates
 How to get there:
For all passenger travel and timetable information contact Cheshire Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
Lines are open 8:00am - 8:00pm, every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
 Contact:
countryside@cheshire.gov.uk
|