Introduction
This evening sees my 2025 North East Cheshire Lawn Tennis League get underway, so I chose a shortish, familiar route for my walk on this splendidly sunny day with a perfect temperature for walking.
I took an extended walk over some of this ground on 1st April 2021 .
Whilst I’ve walked much of the route before, it is a joy to regularly revisit this area.
This walk is a 40 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.
It is just 5 miles but has a bit of a kick with 1000feet of ascent .
It took 2 hours 45 minutes to complete, plus 15 minutes for lunch.
At this time of year, the moors are alive with nesting birds and sheep with lambs, so definitely a dogs on a lead walk.
I walked in a clockwise direction.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.
I parked at Clough House Car Park, postcode SK110BD, What 3 Words ///whiplash.unloaded.outs
Clough House To Three Shires Head
I made my way towards the familiar Cumberland Brook path, with the monolith that is Shutlingsloe rising behind me.
The valley was a picture in the glorious sunshine.
At the head of the valley, the path splits and I crossed the brook, enjoying a final view down the valley.
The path crosses the moor, rising steadily before crossing the A54 and descending to the headwaters of the River Dane.
The path enters the valley and it’s only a short walk to the pretty tourist trap of Three Shires Head.
Three Shires Head
The three counties that meet here are Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. I took this picture from Cheshire; the people on the bank opposite are in Derbyshire; the small bridge to their right would take them into Staffordshire.
The picture below shows the Staffordshire side more clearly, to the right.
Three Shires Head To Wildboarclough
My route never left Cheshire, and I took the path that swings round the valley to Cut-Thorn. Here, I stopped awhile to watch a beautiful male wheatear resting in a field on his journey to northern breeding grounds – a stunning bird. I was then delighted to see my first swallows of the year, a pair circling the cottage.
I crossed the moors here enjoying the sight and sound of the curlews patrolling these perfect breeding grounds, before recrossing the A54 and heading downhill, back towards Shutlingsloe.
The path enters the woodland below, in dappled sunlight.
I passed Crag Hall where a fallen tree provided a good spot for lunch, nd a brief glimpse over the fields to the ubiquitous Sutton Mast.
Continuing down the lane I passed Wildboarclough Church.
Wildboarclough To Clough House
I saw no wild boar, but the brook here is delightful.
I could have saved my legs and strolled back up the lane, but I decided to brave the driveway that forms the first part of the ascent of Shutlingsloe.
It’s very pretty and worthwhile. Here is a view over to Crag Hall.
And then the steep path up the hill leaves to my left.
I carried on traversing the hillside, my way being guarded by the pheasants.
The path slowly drops down to the streamside road, and then it’s a short walk to the car park.
One final delight was the sight of a red kite soaring above me. They are slowly colonising this part of the world.
This is just a lovely walk, which I would recommend to anyone with three hours to spare and the energy for the 1000feet of ascent!
And Finally….
The Lilacs are a Manchester band in the style of The Courteeners.
This is “Calling It A Night”. I love t!
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