Stunning Views In Macclesfield Forest On A Beautiful Spring Day

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Ever been to Macclesfield? No? It’s not somewhere anyone tends to venture out to unless they know it because they think there’s nothing there. I’ve spent the last year or so driving to and from Macclesfield on a daily basis. From the main roads, there’s not a great deal to look at other than open fields. However, one of my good blogging friends Marta, a newbie Macclesfield resident, offered to take me around one of the local walking trails. I couldn’t believe the stunning scenery I’d been missing out on!

Breathtaking blue waters of Ridgegate Reservoir near Macclesfield Forest

A Good Place To Start

I’m not going to repeat what has already been written several times already. This is a fantastic walking route meandering around Ridgegate and Trentabank Reservoir, through Macclesfield Forest and up to the top of Shutlingsloe Summit. I will share with you the pictures I took on our walk and point out a few of the highlights along the way.

This carved wooden otter is one of the few characters we met along the way

" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-image-title="Rach and the otter" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.whatrachdidnext.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PSX_20190302_115738-1.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl;=1" data-recalc-dims="1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.whatrachdidnext.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PSX_20190302_115738-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl;=1" data-permalink="https://www.whatrachdidnext.co.uk/ptr-9/" data-image-meta="{" alt="Rach posing with a carved wooden otter statue" aperture="aperture" />This otter is one of the few carved wooden characters we met along the way

To Shutlingsloe From Trentabank

This is a good two hour or so walk for anyone who wants to venture out but is a bit scared of map reading. It’s a well-defined trail that you can’t really get lost on. As long as you follow the direction that feels most natural, you can’t go wrong. I do recommend a bottle of water, some sturdy walking boots and a few layers.

The steep stepped path up to Shutlingsloe Summit

A Good Walk For Anyone Afraid Of Maps

If you follow the path we took, you’re in for a steep hike up a long descent that I guarantee will warm you up on even the coldest day! Don’t be fooled though, it’s extremely windy at the top so if you strip any layers off, you’ll want to put them back on when you reach Shuttlingsloe summit.

Me and my good friend Marta walking in Macclesfield on a beautiful spring day

" data-orig-size="1000,750" aperture="aperture" />Rach & Marta at the top of Shutlingsloe Summit

The Leather’s Smithy pub is a great place to start. There are lots of parking spaces nearby and it’s an excellent place to finish because they serve good beers and cracking food! Although you need to be careful where you park around the reservoir because there are certain spots where parking is not permitted. Don’t get so dazzled by the scenery that you end up getting a parking ticket!

Rach sitting on the ledge on top of the world!

" data-orig-size="1200,900" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-image-title="Rach on the ledge" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/www.whatrachdidnext.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PSX_20190302_114031-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl;=1" aperture="aperture" />Rach sitting in a sunbeam on the ledge at the top of Shutlingsloe Summit

On the walk down from the summit, re-entering Macclesfield forest I experienced the loveliest sensory experience as we walked into the trees. It didn’t feel at all windy at that point but the crisp brown leaves made such a magical sound in the gentle breeze. The sound became apparent quite suddenly as we stepped inside, it really was quite strange but beautiful.

Doesn’t the light shining through the trees look magical?

" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-image-title="Trees and light" aperture="aperture" />The light shining through the trees was pretty magical too!

The stroll back down the hillside is nice and easy and gives you the chance to soak up the stunning scenery on the way. Be prepared for some of the most breathtaking views of rolling hills and cute little babbling streams.

A beautiful view over a drystone wall

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The Scenery Is Not The Only Natural Beauty…

The spot near our wooden otter friend in the picture above, is a fantastic place for birdwatching. As we were on our way back past that point, we were lucky enough to encounter a pheasant!

The pheasant we met in Macc Forest

" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-image-title="The Pheasant" aperture="aperture" />Yup! We really did meet a pheasant!

We also met Tim, the owner of the Forest Snug Food Van and maker of the most delicious cakes! Anyone who knows me will know that it’s a pretty big deal for me to say that because, if I do say so myself, I make some damn fine cakes! Tim’s are definitely worth trying though. Obviously, I didn’t sample them all but his raspberry and chocolate brownie was pretty delicious. Marta said he made a mean egg buttie too. He told us he’s not there all the time but he has a Facebook page you can check before heading out.

Tim the Yummy Scrummy Food guy in his van

" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />Tim the Forest Snug Food Van guy!

After devouring our tea and cake, we headed back to the car. Via the Leather’s Smithy for a refreshing drink on the way past. What? It was a lovely day, it would have been rude not to!

I’ve got to say, it’s going to be pretty hard to top that walk with all that amazing scenery! So, if you have any recommendations, please, drop them in the comments below. Thanks, I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I have to also, thank Marta for helping me out with this post.

Rach x

This article first appeared on whatrachdidnext.co.uk. If you enjoyed reading it or find it useful, I would love it if you would link to it or share it on social media but please don’t copy my work. All pictures are taken by me and all words and opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.