Walk Description

Steve and I had arranged to meet up with fellow OFC members (Angela, John, Sue, Keith, Neil, Ian, Simon, Les and Kev) at the Derbyshire Bridge car park.  Although the area was covered by low cloud we were optimistic that the weather was going to improve and therefore left the waterproofs inside our rucksacks.  We set off along the old moorland road that runs from Derbyshire Bridge over Ravens’ Flat towards Burbage.  When we reached the crest of the ridge we turned northwards and headed towards Burbage Edge.  We now managed to get the occasional glimpse of distant views through the small gaps in the cloud.  Almost without realising it, we reached the first of today’s trig points and after a fairly long time the obligatory photographs were taken and we began our descent towards Errwood reservoir.  Our path might not have been visible on the map but it was clear to see on the ground.  After crossing a stile we started down towards the bricked up tunnel entrance.


From here the path was wet in places and we had to try to find the driest route using the strategically placed stepping stones.  Eventually we reached the good path down Wildmoorstone Clough which we then followed down to the seat above Errwood Reservoir.  Whilst we were here the skies darkened and it started to rain.  We debated whether or not to don our wet weather gear, however by the time we had got the waterproofs out of our rucksacks the shower had stopped, so we put them away. We continued along the path throught he woods towards Bunsall Cob and Goyt’s Lane.  We followed Goyt’s Lane down to the dam across Errwood Rerservoir.  This section of Goyt’s Lane was built in 1967 on the Bunsall incline of the disused Crompton and High Peak Railway.  After crossing the dam we walked along the west side of the reservoir to Shooter’s Clough Bridge and up to the remains of Errwood Hall where we had lunch.

 
After lunch we followed the stream through the woods below Foxlow Edge towards The Street.  As we left the woods we made the slight detour down to visit the tiny Honeypot Shrine.  This was built in 1889 to commemorate the death of Dolores de Bergrin who died whilst only in her 40's. She was a Spanish aristocrat and governess to the children at Errwood Hall.  We rejoined the path and made out way up to The Street and then towards the col at Pym Chair.  Here we had good views northwards over Ladbitch Wood and the Goyt Forest to Windgather Rocks.  However we were not going to visit them today, so we turned southwards and followed the ridge path past  Oldgate Nick to Cats Tor and finally to Shining Tor, Cheshire’s highest point.  On a good day the views from Shining Tor are extensive and stretch as far as the Berwyns, Snowdon and the Carneddau in North Wales.  Today, due to the low cloud, the best views were to the south and beyond the witch’s hat cone of Shuttlingsloe I could just make out the Wrekin and slightly to the west of it the rugged outline of Moel Y Golfa and Sir Rodney’s Pillar.

 
We left Shining Tor and began our descent towards Stake Clough, at times our progress was slow due to the steep rough path.  We crossed the stream and walked above the untidy remains of a forestry plantation and then down to the narrow bridge that crosses Deep Clough.  Shortly after this we reached the unclassified road that runs through Goyt Clough.  We followed the road up the clough and back to our cars at the Derbyshire Bridge car park.  Tired and weary, we quickly changed our footwear and drove the short distance to the Cat and Fiddle Inn for a refreshing and much needed pot walk drink.  There are a couple of unusual beers served here and between us we drank a few glasses of “Wags to Witches” and “Dizzy Blonde” before we set off home.
This had been an enjoyable walk and a chance to meet up with fellow members of the OFC.  Once again, thank you Angela for organising the walk.

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.