A Full Guide to the Goyt Valley Shining Tor Walk passing Errwood Ruins and Cat Tor
A fabulous walk in the Peak District is the Goyt Valley, Shining Tor walk that passes Errwood Hall ruins, goes through the valley, along riverside trails and then curves up to Shining Tor and Cat Tor, where you can walk across open heather moorland.
Shining Tor rises to the West of the Goyt valley, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a range of wildlife, including red deer, red grouse, foxes and kestrels.
On clear days, the views from the top of Shining Tor can be spectacular. You can see the Clwydian Range in North Wales, the Wrekin (nearly 50 miles away) and many other landmarks across the Cheshire Plain, such as Shutlingsloe and the large Lovell radio telescope at Jodrell Bank.
This circular walk is 7.5 miles and uses marked moorland trails and grassy paths. It is undulating, but there are not many steep sections. You can complete this walk at a moderate pace in 3.5-4.5 hours.
Please note Forestry England is removing larch stress as they are infected with ramorum disease. It may cause diversions to the route we suggest – so follow the diversion signs!
Walk Details
Distance: 12.2km (7.5 miles)
Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 513m
Route Type: circular walk
Trigs: 1
Ethels: 2 (Cats Tor and Shining Tor)
Stiles: 1
About Shining Tor
Shining Tor is the highest point in Cheshire in England. The summit is 559m (1,834ft) above sea level. The hill is located at the southern end of a north-south moorland line, including Cats Tor.
The Chatsworth Grit, a thick sandstone from the Namurian ages, forms the north-south Ridge of Shining Tor, including the summit. It’s widespread across the Peak District.
The beds drop moderately to the east into the north-south-aligned syncline, known as the Goyt Trough. Shining Tor was believed to have been above the ice sheet in the last ice age.
About Errwood Hall
On this walk, you also get to visit the ruins of Errwood Hall. Samuel Grimshawe, a wealthy businessman, built Errwood Hall in 1840. It was demolished in 1934 to make way for Fernilee Reservoir. It encompassed more than 2,000 acres and included several farms, a school, and a private coal mine.
The hall had to be demolished to make way for the reservoirs because it was thought it would contaminate the drinking water if it stayed.
How to get to the Goyt Valley
The Goyt valley is located just a few minutes northwest of Buxton and is one of the most picturesque areas in the Peak District National Park. From the A5004, Long Hill Road between Buxton and Whaley Bridge, the most popular route to the valley is the A5004.
Shining Tor Walk Parking
There are two options for this walk. You can park at Pym Chair Car Park or Errwood Hall Car Park. If you park at the latter, you must follow Step 2 and have Step 1 as your final part of the walk.
Both car parks are free and do not have toilet facilities; you cannot park overnight. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation at the beginning of this walk. A regular bus service runs just 3 km from the beginning of Goyt’s Lane.
Pym Car Park is named after a formation of rocks that were once on a ridge near the car park. These rocks were named after a man who was either a preacher or a highwayman (so the story goes).
You can follow the Google Maps Directions to both car parks below:
The Errwood Hall Car Park and the road leading to it are CLOSED on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm. This closure is in effect from the beginning of May to the end of September each year. You can do the walk on the day Errwood Hall Car Park is closed.
When is the best time to go on the Shining Tor Walk?
Shining Tor and Cats Tor can get very windy. Therefore, we would avoid this route if it was raining as you will be very exposed.
It would be best if you aimed to arrive early to get a car parking space, especially at weekends. Although, you can choose from many car parks nearby if the two we mention are already full.
If you would like to see the moorland at its best, we recommend visiting in late August or early September to see the wonderful heather on the moorland.
Useful Tips
- Dogs are welcome on the Goyt Valley to walk, but they must be kept on leads, per the Peak code from 31st March to September. There is one stile, though, so keep this in mind.
- The Ordnance Survey Map is OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
- You will need to wear appropriate footwear, as certain sections of the walk can get boggy, and there are also some steep slopes.
- You will need to wear appropriate clothes for the weather conditions. You will be exposed walking along Cats Tor and need to wear layers and waterproof clothing (we always take them with us, just in case).
- Take food and plenty of water with you. There are no facilities on this walk, so you need to be prepared.
- Take all litter home with you and always leave no trace.
- BBQs or lighting fires are prohibited in the national park.
Shining Tor Walk Weather
Check the weather before you go so you know what to expect on your walk.
Mountain Weather Information Centre – Peak District
Directions and Route
Step 1: Pym Chair Car Park to Errwood Hall Ruins
Start Point: Pym Chair Car Park
From the car park, turn left and walk towards the junction. You will see an information point about the Goyt Valley. From here, turn left again, walk along the path, over the cattle grid and continue following the path next to the road as it goes downhill.
After 1km, you need to turn right through a wooden gate in the direction of Errswood. Keep going straight down and follow the grassy path. Soon you will see Errwood Chapel (St Joseph’s Shrine) on your right, which you can make a slight detour down and up again.
People still use the shrine for acts of devotion or remembrance. There is an altar, which you can go inside and write a message in a book (we did this).
Rejoin the path and continue straight. Foxlow Edge is above you. Keep going all the way down until you reach a fence. At the fence, turn right in the direction of Errwood Stateside and go down the steps. Turn left, continue straight over the bridge, up the steps, and continue straight.
You will reach the ruins of Errwood hall. Take your time to explore what is left of the ruins. You can imagine the wonderful hall that was once here. There is a small cemetery above if you want to explore it further. The cemetary is where many of the Grimshawes and their servants are buried.
Step 2: Errwood Hall Ruins to Goytsclough Quarry Car Park
After you’ve explored, rejoin the main path and turn right (as if you walked out the hall’s entrance). Turn left down the steps or at the signpost slightly further along and turn right to go down and then back up the path through the woodland.
At the fork, you can detour to go down to Errwood Reservoir. If you have parked in this car park, you can start your directions from this point.
From Errwood Hall Car Park, from the information point, go uphill and at the opening, turn left and continue straight. You will see the reservoir below you on your left.
Continue straight in the direction of Goyts Clough quarry and keep going forward. At the road, cross over and continue through the wooden gate on the other side of the walk in the direction of a riverside walk.
After the first bridge, there is a photo spot called Fire Pit on your left. Continue straight, go over the small bridge and then continue uphill through the woodland as the path curves right and left.
Step 3: Goytsclough Quarry Car Park to Shining Tor
When you reach the road at the Goytsclough Quarry Car park, take a left and walk along the road until you cross the stream. From here, you will need to turn right and walk along the public footpath following the green sign. Almost immediately, turn left and follow the path as it curves around.
Turn right through the wooden gate in the direction of the Stake Bed. Continue straight, and at the opening, follow the direction of Shining Tor and Stake Bed. Take a right, cross over the bridge over deep clough, and continue through the woodland. Go over the stile and continue straight through the ferns.
This area can be quite boggy. At the crossroads, continue straight and keep following the sign to Shining Tor. Go up and keep the broken stone wall to your right. Keep going up and at the opening, take a right and then after roughly 100m, turn left at the signpost to walk up to Shining Tor.
Step 4: Shining Tor to Pym Chair Car Park via Cat Tor
Once you reach the trig point, continue along the path along the large stones toward Cat Tor. There are stone slabs pretty much the whole way to the top. It is straightforward, and you can enjoy the views around you. If the visibility is good, you can See Manchester in front of you and Macclesfield to your left.
Continue straight and head down towards the road. You will be able to see the car park on your left. At the road, turn left, go over the cattle grid and then turn to the right to reach the car park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shining Tor?
Shining Tor is conveniently located halfway between Macclesfield and Buxton. It’s also located in the Goyt valley, in the western area of Peak District National Park.
It is also within easy reach of Tegg’s Nose Country Park or Macclesfield Forest.
How high is Shining Tor?
Shining Tor is 559m or 1834ft above sea level.
What are alternative Shining Tor routes?
- From the Cat and Fiddle to Shining Tor which is a 2.8-mile route.
- From Pymn Chair Car Park and back, which is a 4-mile route.
- From Errwood Reservoir to Foxlow Edge, which is a 6-mile circuit.
What other walks can I do in the Peak District National Park?
There are many exciting Peak District walks. Please read our guides to:
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.