Trail Running > Routes > Peak District Routes > Shutlingsloe & Macclesfield Forest
An invigorating 11 km trail run up the ‘Cheshire Matterhorn’ and the forested surrounds of this tranquil corner of the Peak District.
Why run this trail?
Standing at just 506 m Shutlingsloe doesn’t really qualify as a mountain, yet its distinctive outline – rising prominently above Macclesfield Forest – just has to be explored.
From the north and south, the peak has an instantly recognisable ‘sharks tooth’ crest (hence the local Matterhorn moniker) while from the east and west it presents a flat-topped profile that is equally intriguing.
The surrounding moorland is as wild and atmospheric as anywhere in the Peak District, and what it lacks in scale is more than compensated for by a refreshing lack of coach parties.
The middle section of the run follows a particularly scenic stretch of Macclesfield Forest and Trentabank Reservoir, before returning via high, open moorland where solitude is practically guaranteed.
This compact and rewarding loop starts and finishes by a crystal-clear brook in the tiny hamlet of Wildboarclough – reputedly the site of the last wild boar killed in England.
Wildboarclough to Shutlingsloe Summit
The run starts from Clough House Car Park. It’s pay and display, accepting cash or online payment. There’s no mobile signal in the valley, but you can pay up to 24 hours later – just note your arrival and departure times if needed.
Head out onto the lane and turn left, following the road for 200 m. Bear right to cross the road and pass over a stile, signposted Langley via Shutlingsloe.
Follow the broad track as it climbs alongside a dry stone wall and pine plantation. After 600 m, it joins a metalled lane – take the sharp switchback right and continue uphill towards Banktop. Just before the farm gates, take the footpath on the left towards the obvious summit of Shutlingsloe.
Passing through a squeeze stile and a further metal gate, the well-worn trail steepens sharply as you approach the top, with steps cut into the peat and a short paved section. A final rocky scramble leads onto the rocky summit plateau.
From the exposed trig point, there are expansive views of The Roaches, Shining Tor, Axe Edge Moor, the Cheshire Plain – and even into Wales on a clear day. Its isolated position gives Shutlingsloe a much bigger mountain feel than its modest height would suggest.
Shutlingsloe Summit to Macclesfield Forest
Descend from the summit via a steep section of flagstones and dark grit, crossing a stile onto a paved path that follows a dry stone wall along the edge of the moor.
Pass through a gate and bear slightly left on the clear track across open moorland. After around 500 m, go through another gate to enter Macclesfield Forest.
Macclesfield Forest to Trentabank Reservoir
On entering the forest, bear left onto the main track and descend through the trees, noting the impressive swathe of forested hills to your right.
The track drops quickly before levelling out as it continues north-west towards the valley floor.
At the road, turn right and follow the parallel forest path to the Trentabank Visitor Centre and car park. Cross the road and take the short loop that traces part of the shoreline of Trentabank Reservoir.
Trentabank Reservoir to Standing Stone Road
The reservoir loop soon returns you to the lane. Cross over and bear slightly left to join another forest track.
Keep left at the fork, following a fence line to avoid climbing too early. The trail undulates through the trees, broadly tracking the line of the road, and can be muddy in places.
After 750 m, emerge back onto the lane via a squeeze stile. Cross directly over to rejoin the trail, following the fingerpost.
The path curves right and climbs gently onto a narrow, scrappy ridge through the trees. After 500 m, it bends right again and descends to meet the lane. Cross once more and follow the gravel path alongside the road, climbing steadily for 600 m to a crossroads at the top of Standing Stone Road.
Standing Stone Road to Buxtors Hill
Turn right through a metal gate onto a gravel access track following a dry stone wall. After 300 m, turn left onto a smaller path.
The climb begins immediately – keep left where the track forks once more and follow the trail as it steepens through trees, eventually reaching the top of Buxtors Hill.
Buxtors Hill to Shutlingsloe
Follow the obvious path south across open moorland. There are sweeping views over the forest and reservoirs to your right, with Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield visible beyond.
The track is often very boggy. Shutlingsloe’s distinctive profile soon reappears ahead.
Pass through a wooden gate with information boards. This section is heavily eroded and waterlogged, with plastic matting in place to reduce damage. Avoid straying off the path, particularly during nesting season for curlews.
You’ll soon rejoin the long flagstone path from your earlier descent. Instead of retracing it, take a faint path to the left, crossing a wooden bridge and boggy ground which eventually winds its way into a narrow clough of dark shale.
The path curves around the lower slopes of Shutlingsloe before descending to a dry stone wall. Pass through a gap and continue south, following the wall on your left.
After around 300 m, you’ll arrive back at the stile you passed through on your outward leg to start the climb to Shutlingsloe.
Shutlingsloe to Wildboarclough
Pass through the stile and descend back towards the valley. From here, simply retrace your steps back to Clough House Car Park.
Final Thoughts
This run reinforces what other routes in the area suggest: the South-West Peak District is one of the most underrated parts of the National Park.
It offers a compelling mix of wild moorland, quiet trails and striking landmarks – without the crowds found elsewhere – and is well worth exploring in more depth.
Trail run highlights
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More trail running routes in the Peak District
Trail Running Routes in the Peak District
Disclaimer
All routes and GPX files are provided as a guide only. Conditions, rights of way, and landmarks may change. Always carry an up‑to‑date map and use your own judgement. See the Trail Run Disclaimer page for details.