Trentabank - Shutlingsloe - Cat and Fiddle - Trentabank

Eric Davies

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This walk is varied in nature with forest, moor and lanes. Although the Cat and Fiddle offers food, it is advisable to bring a packed lunch, just in case. It is worthwhile to carry binoculars as the area is abundant with wildlife.
The forest is a working area and as the timber is felled and replanted, the woodland scenery is always in a state of change. As a result the paths may be closed temporarily, so please follow the forestry waymarked trail numbers at all times.
There are four reservoirs in the vicinity, with Ridgegate and Trentabank Reservoirs providing Macclesfield Town with drinking water. The forest has a herd of red deer and various other wildlife which you may encounter on a visit. The reservoirs are home to many species of wildfowl and Trentabank is home to the largest heronry in the Peak District.
Macclesfield Forest Village:
this tiny hamlet lies along the line of the former pack-horse road over the hills to Buxton - once an important salt trading route. There are spectacular views from here across to the Cat and Fiddle and the hills around Shining Tor and Shuttlingsloe can be ascended from here also.
The hamlet boasts a tiny chapel, 'Forest Chapel', which is one of the few remaining places which still holds a rush-bearing ceremony.

England - North England - Cheshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Mountains, Nature Trail, Play Area, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

11/20/2018 - Eric Davies

In response to Nocola's previous comment, I have just checked the walk carefully on Memory Map, and it comes out at just over 11 miles. There are stiles on the walk as are on most walks.

11/12/2018 - Nicola Howarth

I wouldn't recommend this walk if you want to take your dog for a walk. My friend and I had to lift my dog over stiles, guard her from some very angry dogs at the farm at WM16 and to abide with the request of the landowners, she was kept on the lead for the majority of the day. It's definitely not 11 miles. We cut off at WM 17 to WM 31 and later on in the walk after WM 39, we missed out the hamlet but still clocked 10 miles. It is a great walk but be aware, it's definitely not for dogs.

3/13/2013 - John Wright

Completed the 13 mile walk in 6 hours with a brew stop on top of Shutlingsloe a good dinner stop at 3 shires head and a second brew stop at waypoint 36. The skies were clear for most of the day but at times the wind and cold wherein tandem. The views are amazing. This is our first venture of this route, easy to follow instructions. I would say this walk was moderate leaning towards strenuous as there are a number of climbs to overcome. I agree with Stuart, the climb down the metal steps of the A54 are not the dog friendly but manageable. Overall this was a great walk which will be done again during the summer to get different views of the countryside.

4/10/2011 - Eric Davies

Thanks Stuart for the update, the details for that point have been amended. Again thanks Eric

4/9/2011 - stuart smith

GENERAL COMMENT Walked Monday 4/4/2011 Excellent walk well worth the effort. Superb panoramic views all day long. Written instructions were good. Started from Cat and Fiddle to get some downhill walking in first. Long uphill route to Shutlingsloe from visitor centre. Lunched at Shutlingsloe, and arrived back at Cat & Fiddle 5 minutes after it closed at 4pm ! Off to Buxton for a pint ! Dish & Spoon tearoom now rebranded as Peak View Tearoom, but closed when we were there. DOG FRIENDLYNESS Ok if your dog is a good walker (12 miles). Only 5 stiles to negotiate on whole route,(other stiles had openable gates alongside) but difficult 5 foot drop down near-vertical metal steps off the A54 on route to 3 Shire Heads. No evidence of cattle anywhere, but some sheep in fields. Plenty of streams for drinking / paddling.