Errwood Reservoir up Shining Tor: route map, distance and time
559 m · Lancashire, Cheshire and S Pennines · OS grid SJ994737
Shining Tor is the highest point in Cheshire, a moorland ridge top above the Goyt Valley on the border with Derbyshire.
You walk up past the Errwood Hall ruins and climb moorland paths onto the ridge north of the summit.
Errwood Reservoir at a glance
| Distance | 5.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 345 m |
| Time up | 1h 35m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 40m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Errwood car park, Goyt Valley |
| Start grid reference | SK 014 751 |
| Summit grid reference | SJ994737 |
Errwood Reservoir map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Errwood Reservoir takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 2h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 35m | 2h 40m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 3h 15m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 06:59, sunset 16:44. Start by 13:04 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:00, sunset 16:42. Start by 13:02 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Shining Tor summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Shining Tor right now. The main Shining Tor page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Shining Tor forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Peak District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
About Shining Tor
Shining Tor is the highest point in Cheshire, a moorland ridge top above the Goyt Valley on the border with Derbyshire. More about Shining Tor, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Marilyn, county top.
Challenges that include Shining Tor
Other routes up Shining Tor
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pym Chair via Cats Tor | 3.1 km one way | 122 m | 0h 50m | Easy |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SK 014 751, the summit at SJ994737), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Errwood Reservoir: questions and answers
How far is Errwood Reservoir?
Errwood Reservoir is 5.2 km one way to the summit of Shining Tor, with 345 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.4 km.
How long does Errwood Reservoir take?
About 1h 35m to the summit of Shining Tor and 2h 40m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 15m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Errwood Reservoir?
Errwood Reservoir starts from Errwood car park, Goyt Valley. The grid reference is SK 014 751.
Is Errwood Reservoir suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Errwood Reservoir today?
By 13:04 at the latest. Sunset on Shining Tor today is 16:44, Errwood Reservoir takes about 2h 40m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Errwood Reservoir?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).