Shining Tor - Peak District Walk
Monday 22nd June 2020
Having watched on the local news with horror the number of people who piled into the Peak District once the lockdown was lifted, along with the litter they left and the way they treated the areas they visited we had deliberately avoided going there ourselves. Now that several school years had started back at school and many more people were able to return to work, we decided to see how safe it might be to once again walk in the Peak District. I deliberately picked a route that I knew didn't go near anyone's home and we hoped that by going on a Monday it would be relatively quiet, it wasn't. The car parks were full and there were more people on the summit than I have seen on a bank holiday weekend. The one positive was that people did at least try to stick to social distancing, but sadly not everyone I saw out was also respecting the Countryside Code, especially when it came to litter. After this experience and with the school summer holidays looming it will be sometime before I feel it is truly safe to return to the Peak District.
Start: Errwood Hall car park (SK 0111 7484)
Route: Errwood Hall car park - Shooter's Clough - Shining Tor (TP) - The Tors - Oldgate Nick - The Street - Foxlow Edge - Errwood Hall - Errwood Hall car park
Distance: 6.25 miles Ascent: 408 metres Time Taken: 4 hrs
Terrain: Clear paths
Weather: Warm and sunny
Pub Visited: Post Lockdown 1 Ale Drunk: Shut
We left the car park and took the path through the wood towards Errwood Hall.
Instead of turning up to the remains of Errwood Hall we continue along the path through the wood and soon find these old gate posts, presumably this was once an entrance to Errwood Hall.
We take a path that leads us down to this stream, which we cross easily
before beginning the climb up and along Shooter's Clough.
As we head up along the path we are presented with this framed view across the valley to Ladder Hill.
Climbing a bit higher and the view across to Ladder Hill is no longer obstructed by the trees.
I have often looked across at Shooter's Clough from Foxlow Edge and thought I really must do that route one day, so it is nice to see the view in reverse.
It really is a pleasant path to walk along and although it looks as if we have it to ourselves don't be fooled, we have passed numerous groups and couples on the ascent.
As we climb more of the second half of the route comes into view.
The track brings us out at the top of Stake Side and a view across a rather low Errwood Reservoir to Combs Moss and beyond that to the Great Ridge with an even more distant Win Hill.
Combs Naze is also in view, another place on the 'I must get back there soon' list.
Joining the track up to Shining Tor and it is starting to get busier.
Shutlingsloe from the track up to Shining Tor.
We had planned on stopping for something to eat at the trig point, but despite what the picture might suggest it was rather busy with people approaching and leaving in all directions. Perhaps we will move on and find a quieter spot.
When I was last here I took a shot of this signpost, which was frozen at the time and entered it in one of my photography club's competitions. The main comment the judge made was he wanted to see more of the wall and where the sign was pointing.
Here is the shot the judge wanted and I know his comments would have been something like less mud in the foreground. You can't win. As tempting as the empty bench was it was far too busy to be able to enjoy a quiet lunch, so we quickly moved on.
Instead we follow the slabs along The Tors and keep an eye out for a suitable lunch spot, hopefully away from the main route along the top.
As we head along The Tors Foxlow Edge comes back into view and we spot a track running next to a wall.
We divert off the main track and find a sheltered, dry spot next to the wall for lunch. Before eating anything the first thing we have to work out is how the new addition to the rucksack, a bottle of hand sanitiser, actually works. Hands sanitised we enjoy an undisturbed lunch looking across Foxlow Edge and Ladder Hill.
After lunch curiosity requires we follow the track next to the wall a bit longer to see where it takes us. It looks like it would have taken us back down to Shooter's Clough. Rather than end up doing a very short walk we return to the main path along the top of Cats Tor.
We are soon at the rocks known as Oldgate Nick. Windgather Rocks can be seen beyond them
We pass on extending the walk by going out to Windgather Rocks and instead head down The Street.
Looking across Hoo Moor to Combs Moss and the hill fort of Castle Naze.
Leaving the road we opt to take the route along the top of Foxlow Edge, which is normally much quieter than taking the path below the edge.
Looking back to The Street from the start of Foxlow Edge.
Shooter's Clough from the start of Foxlow Edge. From here I think the clear track that heads up on the righthand side below the wood would eventually join the track we followed briefly after lunch. Something else to add to the to-do list.
As it is nice and quiet along here we take our time and enjoy the views and solitude.
Foxlow Edge makes for very easy walking it just isn't as obvious to find from the end we are walking towards than from where we joined it, which might explain why it is rare to meet anyone up here.
It offers some of the best views across Errwood Reservoir to Wild Moor.
A short drop down a dry bank brings us out on the track back to Errwood Hall.
We soon reach Errwood Hall, which is full of families, so we leave them to explore the old hall and make our way back to the car park. On a day like this it would be delightful to go for a pint but it isn't allowed, I guess we will just go home then.
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