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This standout route leads you to the highest point in Cheshire, where the airy summit of Shining Tor reveals expansive views stretching well beyond the county border.
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Walk Highlights
- Errwood Hall Ruins
- St Joseph’s Shrine
- Cats Tor
- Shining Tor
- Errwood Reservoir
Set in the heart of the Goyt valley, this walk ticks many boxes – ancient woodland, ruins, a river crossing (easy peasy!), flora and fauna (including birds of prey), and old roman road, mountain summits and a plethora of impressive views – all packed into less than 10km and right here in Cheshire!
The walk begins by the shores of Errwood reservoir – with parking available at XXX or XXX (if the former i full/closed)
- Expansive views over the Cheshire Plain, Peak District, and even Snowdonia on a clear day
- The rolling ridge path between Cats Tor and Shining Tor (Peak District drama without the crowds)
Errwood Hall Ruins
The first significant point of interest on this walk are the tucked‑away ruins of Errwood Hall, a once‑grand Victorian estate built by Manchester merchants who transformed this quiet corner of the Peaks into a lavish country retreat.
Today, only crumbled walls, mossy stonework and scattered foundations remain, hinting at the Grimshawe family’s opulent past, now softened by heather, rhododendrons and the moorland breeze.
If you’re into urban exploration this is actually a pretty cool place to spend some time (and btw, It’s not lost on me that we are far from the urban sprawl – you know what I mean though!) Right, enough of the history lesson and back onto the business of the walk…
Cats Tor
What’s most impressive about Cats Tor is not the wind-brushed bump of a summit set of the rolling ridge path or indeed the are the surrounding views, and ever closer Shining Tor – backed by the Cheshire very own Matterhorn – aka Shutlingsloe.
wind‑brushed bump on the ridgeCats Tor is in truth a
Shining Tor
Route Overview
This circular walk kicks off at Errwood Reservoir, tucked away in the Goyt Valley. From here, you’ll climb steadily up to Cats Tor, a fine warm-up summit that sets the tone for the ridge walk ahead. The real prize is Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, where the views stretch so far you’ll start wondering if you can see your house.
The route is straightforward, well-trodden, and popular with walkers who like their hills accessible but still rewarding. Parking is available at The Street car park by Errwood Reservoir. Public transport? Let’s just say it’s not your best bet unless you enjoy a pre-walk hike just to get to the start.
Once you’ve conquered the ridge and soaked up the views, the descent loops you back down towards the reservoir, where you can smugly tell anyone loitering in the car park that yes, you’ve just been to the top of Cheshire.
Errwood Reservoir
The walk begins at the edge of Errwood Reservoir, a peaceful spot that lulls you into a false sense of security before the uphill begins. It’s a popular place for a stroll in its own right, but today it’s just your launchpad. Take a moment to admire the water and surrounding woodland — it’s the calm before the climb.
Cats Tor (522m / 1,713ft)
Your first summit of the day, Cats Tor, is a steady climb that gets the legs working without being cruel. The path is clear and well-used, so there’s no chance of “accidentally” turning back early.
From the top, you’ll get your first proper taste of the ridge views. It’s not the flashiest summit in the Peak District, but it’s a solid warm-up act — like the support band you didn’t know you needed.
Shining Tor (559m / 1,834ft)
The star of the show. Shining Tor is Cheshire’s highest point, and the trig point at the summit is practically begging for a photo. On a clear day, you can see across the Cheshire Plain, the Clwydian Hills in North Wales, and even as far as Snowdonia. Not bad for a hill you can conquer before lunch.
The ridge walk between Cats Tor and Shining Tor is the highlight of the route — wide skies, rolling hills, and the kind of views that make you forget you’re technically still in Cheshire. The flagstone path makes the going easy, though it can get slippery in wet weather.
The Ridge Descent
After Shining Tor, the route loops back down towards Errwood Reservoir. The descent is a chance to stretch out the legs and enjoy the changing scenery as you drop back into the valley. By the time you reach the reservoir again, you’ll have clocked up a satisfying circular route with two summits under your belt.
🗺️ Suggested Route (step-by-step)
- Start at The Street car park by Errwood Reservoir
- Follow the path uphill towards Pym Chair
- Climb to Cats Tor summit
- Continue along the ridge to Shining Tor
- Descend south-west from the trig point
- Loop back east towards the reservoir
- Return to the car park
For a downloadable GPX file of the route, check out:
- AllTrails – Errwood Reservoir, Shining Tor & Cats Tor Circular
- 10Adventures – Shining Tor Circular Walk
⚠️ Hazards to Watch Out For
- Boggy ground: Especially between Cats Tor and Shining Tor after rain. Waterproof boots = good life choices.
- Slippery flagstones: Great for erosion control, less great for staying upright.
- Exposed ridge: Windy days can be brutal — pack a layer unless you want to cosplay as a windsock.
- Navigation: Paths are clear, but in poor visibility it’s easy to lose bearings on the ridge.
Final Thoughts
This is a cracking circular walk that gives you big views for relatively little effort. Two summits, a ridge walk, and a reservoir start/finish — what’s not to like? If you’ve tackled this route (or if you’ve got a better trig-point selfie than mine), drop a comment below and let’s hear about it.
#eXploreCheshire
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