Errwood Reservoir to Shining Tor and Cat’s Tor

 Friday 28th March

Windy and cold, though bright. We decide to tackle the Shining Tor walk from Errwood Reservoir, parking at the southern end of the reservoir. Most of this walk is covered in the AA Peak District Walks  book - walk 23. We did the same walk on October 12th 2023.

https://aliwalks.blogspot.com/2023/11/errwood-reservoir-to-shining-tor-12th.html

As it was already 11 am we had coffee and a biscuit to fortify us before tackling the walk.

Looking back from the first steep section

It’s a steep climb uphill to begin with, on a wide grassy track. It levels out gradually, continuing to climb steadily until we reach the junction where signpost indicate Shining Tor to the right, and Cat & Fiddle straight on.

A brief pause to put windproof jacket back on as the wind is fiercer than on the slightly protected slope. Then we follow the Shining Tor path down and up to the summit at 559 meters/1834 feet, where we sit on the bench in the lee of the wall, and admire the view, which is wide and includes Shutlingsloe and Sutton Common mast. 

Two young women runners appear with dogs, and one has problems keeping her cap on.

They were amused by this lucky photo (by Harry)

We decide to move on before lunching - it’s cold!  We’re very glad we’ve brought windproof jackets, scarves and gloves today.

Appropriate name

The walk along the ridge to Pym’s Chair and the road is a struggle against the force and noise of the bitterly cold wind. 

 We walk down the road for a fair distance and turn right where two footpaths go - one to Errwood, and one to Foxlow Edge. We take the Foxlow Edge one and climb a short distance before finding a wall which provides enough shelter for us to lunch comfortably.

After that it’s mainly, though not entirely, downhill toward the ruins of Errwood Hall,  and then back to the car park.  6 miles altogether, but felt like more.

Recommended reading:

Errwood Hall and the Drowned Hamlet of Goyts Bridge by David Stirling

https://www.goyt-valley.org.uk/product/errwood-hall-goyts-bridge-book/#reviews