Pennine beauty - climbing Shining Tor
After taking on it’s ‘Little Brother’ Shutlingsloe, I’d decided I’d eventually get round to doing the ‘peak’ of Cheshire. So on a rather hot May bank holiday in 2018, when others may be down the pub, instead I set off in the Car to Cheshire to take on the climb!
So, after a quick drive from Stockport to the main Car Park at Errwood reservoir, I got to the start of the climb, only having half an idea about the ascent I’d chosen to take on! Firstly, I decided to enjoy the views of the reservoir, the same one that supplies my Hometown with it’s water, and that tumbles down the hill via the Goyt River to form the Mighty Mersey, connections galore!
So after enjoying some tranquil views, then came the start of the hike, and I’ll admit, the start of the climb is a tough one! From the Errwood Hall Car park, up the hill I went, slowly (mainly it’s pretty steep up to the wall you get to!). See what I mean in photos below!
From the wall, then came a left turn (by this point all I can see is more upwards work), and more climbing, thankfully at a lesser gradient, and that wall at least keeps you on the right track to the kissing gate! At the point it evens out, you turn right through the gate, and just when you think you’ve done climbing, you look across, there’s a little downhill, then the final clamber to hit that peak!
But the views along the climb are quite stunning, so it’s worth the effort and remember to take water to keep you going!
You can see across to Shutlingsloe and enjoy the Cat and Fiddle road passing you by below, and over towards Manchester and many more places, you feel the effort was worth it!
So, after taking on and beating the roof of Cheshire, I felt great (and a bit sweaty), to be told by an experienced climber there were easier routes, damn! You can take an easier route from the Cat and Fiddle, or Cat’s Bells, but in my view, if you are going to take on a peak, do it the hardcore way!
On the upside (or the peak) at least it was fast on the way down, you end up running at times as that steep incline on the way up, makes for a fast exit coming back! Another peak tackled, great views enjoyed, so it’s time to start lining up more!
