Shining Tor & Goyt Valley: Peak Views, Valley Vibes, and enchanting ruins
Shining Tor and Goyt Valley Circular on AllTrails
Distance: 10.9km
ETA: 4 hours
Elevation: 444m
The Peak District is a walker's paradise, and the Shining Tor and Goyt Valley Circular is a fantastic route that showcases the best of this beautiful region. We recently tackled this trail, and it offers a perfect blend of challenging climbs, breathtaking views, and tranquil valley landscapes – plus a fascinating historical detour!
This circular walk is a proper hike, offering a good workout and some truly stunning scenery. Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, provides panoramic vistas that are simply incredible. From the summit, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and distant peaks.
The route also takes you through the picturesque Goyt Valley, a beautiful and peaceful area with its own unique charm. The contrast between the rugged beauty of Shining Tor and the serene landscapes of the Goyt Valley makes this walk particularly special.
Adding to the intrigue of this hike is the opportunity to explore the ruins of Errwood Hall. This once-grand country house, now reduced to its foundations, adds a touch of history and mystery to the walk. It's fascinating to imagine what life must have been like within its walls and to wander through the remnants of this bygone era.
When we visited, there was a bridge that had been taken down for repairs - hopefully it’s back in place now, if not, be prepared to get wet feet or wear good boots!
A few tips for tackling this hike:
- Go Anti-Clockwise: Trust us on this one! Doing the loop anti-clockwise means you'll ascend the steeper sections, which is much easier than descending them. Your knees will thank you later!
- Good Boots Essential: There are a few rocky sections along the route, so make sure you wear good, sturdy walking boots. Proper footwear will make the hike much more comfortable and safer.
- Dog-Friendly: This is a great walk to do with your canine companion. Just be sure to keep them on a lead in areas where there's livestock.
- Free Parking: One of the best things about this walk is the large, free car park! It's always a bonus to find free parking in popular areas like the Peak District.
- Errwood Hall Ruins: Take some time to explore the remains of Errwood Hall and imagine its past.
Final Thoughts
The Shining Tor and Goyt Valley Circular is a fantastic hike for anyone looking for a challenging walk with rewarding views. It's a great way to experience the beauty of the Peak District, from the heights of Shining Tor to the tranquility of the Goyt Valley, with the added bonus of discovering the historical ruins of Errwood Hall. Just remember to go anti-clockwise, wear good boots, and enjoy the free parking!
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.