Shining Tor

Saturday, 13th April 2013

Distance: 8.6 miles
Total Ascent: 1,640 feet
Time: 4.5 hours
Weather: Sunny in the morning becoming overcast in the afternoon

 

A scenic drive took us to the free car park at the southern end of Errwood Reservoir. After a short pause at the ruin if Errwood Hall we continued on to the Spanish Shrine, a small circular of gritstone. It is Mediterranean in design and inspiration and was erected by the Grimshawes in 1889 in memory of a much loved Spanish governess in their employ. Joining the road to Pym Chair we met a large number of cyclists enjoying the downhill section of a local race. Leaving the road behind we headed into the wind on our way past Cat's Tor to Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire. However, the most interesting part of this summit is the rocky escarpment with great views over the surrounding area.
A short detour was taken to The Cat & Fiddle Inn, the second highest pub in England (The Tan Hill Inn being the highest), where we enjoyed a very welcome coffee. Returning to our route we had a pleasant gradually descending path back to the car.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Ruins of Errwood Hall . . .

 

with a Coat of Arms at the entrance

 

and surrounded by woodland

 

The notes say this is a 'boggy section' but it looks more like a stream to me!

 

The Spanish Chapel . . .

 

built in memory of a governess . . .

 

by the Grimshawes

 

A couple of the many cyclists we saw . . .

 

but this group are enjoying a break

 

Pym Chair is marked by an information board but not much else

 

A cross wall provides shelter from the wind for our morning break

 

Shining Tor trig point . . .

 

with views across the Cat & Fiddle Road . . .

 

from the rocky escarpment . . .

 

but the wind prevents us from getting too near to the edge

 

A short detour brings us to . . .

 

The Cat & Fiddle Inn . . .

 

with a stone carving . . .

 

and a more modern sign

 

I don't think these motor cyclists want to be recognised

 

Returning to Errwood Reservoir . . .

 

on a pleasant green path . . .

 

to find some canoeists enjoying time on the water

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