Epic late autumn trek across three counties, including two county tops, Shutlingsloe, Three Shires Head and the majestic Goyt Valley.

Welcome to Freshwalks. This classic hike event is part of our own vibrant business community programme and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of hiking and networking in the great outdoors. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company.

Route description

This epic circular hike explores the finest landscapes on the Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire borders, crossing three counties and visiting two county tops: Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, and Cheeks Hill, Staffordshire's county top. Along the way, the route also summits the iconic peak of Shutlingsloe, often dubbed the 'Matterhorn of Cheshire', before descending to the picturesque Three Shires Head and the tranquil Goyt Valley. Combining rugged moorland, dramatic viewpoints, peaceful woodland and historic packhorse trails, this rewarding full-day adventure showcases some of the most spectacular scenery on the western edge of the Peak District.

Route: Macclesfield Forest - Shutlingsloe - Three Shires Head - Cheek’s Hill - Derbyshire Bridge - Shining Tor - Macclesfield Forest

Distance: 25km

Grade: Very Hard (more info on grading here (https://www.freshwalks.co.uk/information/))

Max elevation: 559m / Total ascent: 975m

Proposed schedule:

08:30 Meeting, Trentabank Car Park

08:45 Walk starts, Trentabank Car Park

09:45 Shutlingsloe (506m)

11:00 Three Shires Head

12:00 Cheeks Hill (520m) - highest point in Staffordshire

13:30 Errwood Reservoir

14:45 Shining Tor (559m) - highest point in Cheshire

15:15 Peak View Tea Rooms - refreshments & toilets

16:45 Walk finishes, Trentabank Car Park

Walk leader: Michael Di Paola

Meeting location: Trentabank Car Park, Clarke Lane, Sutton Macclesfield SK11 0NS

https://w3w.co/pets.farmer.stall (https://w3w.co/pets.farmer.stall)

Parking: 35 spaces | Pay & Display - card & coins | RingGo Location 51726. Charges apply between 9am and 6pm every day and should cost £6.60 for all day parking. https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking (https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking)

Public transport: We can help co-ordinate lifts or taxi-sharing from Macclesfield train station should anyone fancy leaving the car at home. It’s a 10-15 mins transfer so we recommend the 08:03 train from Manchester Piccadilly to arrive at Macclesfield 08:25 (calling at Stockport 08:13).

Toilets: Toilets open at Trentabank Car Park at start of walk. Unfortunately the mid-walk toilets at Derbyshire Bridge were closed last time we passed by.

Description supplied by the event organiser.