BMC Hill Walking: Social Walk, Shining Tor, Peak District

You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted and guided by BMC volunteers Ian Scott and Steve Buttery.

This social circular walk will use good tracks to head uphill, initially south west from the banks of Erwood reservoir, Goyt valley, then turn north west to arrive at the broad grassy but exposed summit of Shining Tor (559 metres), the highest point in Cheshire. On a clear day, we will continue to enjoy extensive views across the Cheshire Plain and Peak District as we head north along a broad ridge with many minor ups and downs to Cats Tor (519 metres). We can then decend gradually to Windgather rocks, near Taxal Edge and head down to the Goyt Forest above Fernlee river and reservoir before returning to Errwood car park. This moderately challenging level walk is ideal for enthusiastic hill walkers with some rough going but navigation is straightforward and route easy to follow. Goyt valley is a scenic but quieter part of the Peak district with moorland, forests and open hills. The ruins of Errwood hall, built in the 1800s, are near the car park at start/finish.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Meet the Leaders

Steve has been walking in the hills for 40 years, leading walks for 20 years, for 2 walking groups. Steve has completed the NNAS Gold & Silver awards. In 1987 he completed the Bullock Smithy Hike in 13hrs 32min and has participated in two BMC Mend Our Mountains events. He likes being in the outdoors, walking in the hills and going on walking holidays around the UK.

Ian, a recently retired scientific leader in pharmaceutical research and development has lived many years close to the Peak District. Ian has been a member of the BMC for 30 years and have had a lifelong passion for the UK outdoors. He grew up spending his summers and winters climbing the Wainwights in the Lake District, the hills around the Ribble Valley, Trough of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales. Ian also climbs the in mountains in north Wales and the Scottish Highlands. He has previously lead walks for outdoors clubs and loves getting involved with the BMC's Mend Our Mountains events. Ian typically spends his holidays adventure travelling, particularly in remote mountain areas and has climbed many 4000m alpine peaks, and in the greater ranges up to 6500m in Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Africa and South America.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Moderate

Distance: Approx 14.5 km (9 miles)

Ascent: 500 m (1,650 ft)

Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Friday 25th September, 09:50 am for a 10:00 am start

Location: Errwood Reservoir, Goyt Valley, SK17 0AR

OS Grid Ref: SK 012 748

Google map pin: https://www.google.com/maps?q=53.2706353,-1.9830228

Parking: Free public car park, Forestry Commission. This is the main car park beside Errwood Reservoir, just past the dam

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: None

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

The Swan Inn, Kettleshulme is an excellent option for food and drink after the walk – a short drive away

Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies. Sun cream is advisable on warmer days

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be always kept under close control, please indicate on your booking if you will be bringing a dog

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards Mend Our Mountains. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tollerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Walk Leader, Ian Scott: [email protected], 07796770405