In order to loosen up after the previous day’s exertions, Ken and I headed out, joined by Sue, to Trentabank for a stroll around Macclesfield Forest.
Readers familiar with our habits won’t be surprised to discover that we headed up through the forest towards Shutlingsloe.
Looking back from the Nessit Hill path, it’s clear that significant amounts of woodland have recently been felled, giving good views across the valley to Tegg’s Nose.
Soon we left the forest and headed along the slabbed path towards our objective.
At 506 metres, the distinctive summit of Shutlingsloe isn’t the highest in the area – that honour goes to nearby Shining Tor – but it does sport fine views both into the Peak District and out over the Cheshire plain to North Wales.
We descended via the boggy path alongside Buxtors Hill, with good views down to Trentabank and Ridgegate Reservoirs.
After crossing the minor road through the forest, where tea and chocolate provided an excuse for a rest, we headed on to Forest Chapel and up Charity Lane, a mildly technical descent for mountain bikers.
The path soon turns left off the lane and passes through my favourite tranche of woodland. I hope they don’t fell these trees any time soon!
It was all downhill from here, to reach the Leathers Smithy in time for lunch, then a very short stroll back to the car, parked just beyond the end of Ridgegate Reservoir. The wardens were busy booking cars that weren’t parked within the newly marked parking bays that are necessary to avoid traffic gridlock. (£70 penalty – you’ve been warned.)
Here’s our route – 11 km with 350 metres ascent, taking 2.5 hours plus stops. An excellent short outing.
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