With two of the Peak District’s most distinctive standalone summits, Shutlingsloe Tor and Chrome Hill, this gorgeous weekend adventure offers plenty of variety, and is at its best in mid-summer. Enjoy limestone and gritstone peaks, valleys, forests, wildflowers, rivers, and waterfalls – as well as some lovely, quieter paths. At 1,000 feet above sea level, the historic spa town of Buxton is nearby – an ideal base to stay and enjoy some wonderful weekend hospitality. Join one or both days.
Price range: £45.00 through £90.00
Chrome Hill and Shutlingsloe Tor Guided Walk Weekend– The Routes
Saturday – Shutlingsloe Tor
The Route: A classic Dark Peak walk with a ‘Mini Matterhorn’ summit!
From the car park and toilets at Derbyshire Bridge, we head south onto Axe Edge Moor and Cheeks Hill – a wild moorland that passes the source of the River Dane. From here, we descend to Three Shires Head, where the path marks the junction of three counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. This was an important crossing over the River Dane in the 1600s, used by packhorse trains carrying coal and slates from local quarries. Today, we can see the original packhorse bridge and beautiful waterfalls at Panniers Pool.
Our route skirts Cut-Thorn Hill, high above the River Dane, before heading through the pretty village of Wildboarclough, with its impressive former 19th-century post office. From here, we climb steeply to our summit of the day: Shutlingsloe Tor (1660ft/506m). This handsome summit stands proudly, known locally as the “Matterhorn of Cheshire.” It offers wonderful views over the Cheshire Plain, and on a clear day, you can see the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope and the Welsh summits of Snowdonia.
Our descent returns to Wildboarclough where we ascend alongside Cumberland Brook to the road crossing at the former Cat and Fiddle Inn. Passing some tea rooms, a further descent over moorland and through woodland leads us into the Goyt Valley. From here, it’s a short but easier climb back to the start, via the beautiful, steep-sided Goyt’s Clough.
Sunday – Chrome Hill
The Route: A lovely contrast to Saturday’s walk, with spectacular views across the White Peak countryside from the ridge of a former coral reef.
From the village of Longnor, we take the Manifold Trail, weaving along lanes and tracks over limestone valleys and hills to the tiny village of Hollinsclough. A path then takes us north through a wooded valley, climbing up onto an escarpment edge with fine views below.
Heading south through high pastures, we approach Chrome Hill (1312ft/400m) – a highlight of the walk, but a head for heights is required! Chrome Hill is locally known as the “Sleeping Dragon” because of its shape. Its magnificent, rugged curve resembles the ‘plates’ of a stegosaurus dinosaur’s spine. The views from the top are breath taking, especially towards its smaller ‘dinosaur spine’ neighbour, Parkhouse Hill. Both hills are limestone reef knolls, former coral reefs that formed around 340-350 million years ago when the Peak District was a tropical sea in the equatorial region.
After a steep descent from Chrome Hill, we then take a low-level path to Hitter Hill and climb up to our final summit of the day, High Wheeldon – another fine, standalone peak. We descend steeply and cross the valley back to Longnor, a beautiful village with an enticing pub and tea room!
Want to ask a question about the Chrome Hill and Shutlingsloe Tor Guided Walk Weekend? Please Contact Us >
| Walk Date | Saturday & Sunday 30 – 31 May 2026 – £90., Saturday 30 May 2026 only – £45., Sunday 31 May 2026 only – £45. |
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Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >
Saturday – Shutlingsloe Tor
We meet at Derbyshire Bridge Car Park, off the A 537 Cat and Fiddle Road between Buxton and Macclesfield. Postcode: SK17 6TT.
Sunday – Chrome Hill
We meet in the small cobbled market place near to the crossroads in the centre of the village of Longnor, Nr Buxton, SK17 ONT.
Please see a Google Map showing the location of Longnor here >
Coming by Bus or Train
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re staying or arriving reasonably nearby we’ll give you a free lift.
There are toilets at both day’s meeting points.
Saturday
Our starting point at Derbyshire Bridge is a car park on a lane – there are no facilities or toilets here. The nearest toilets and facilities are in Buxton which is four miles away.
Sunday
Our starting point is at Longnor, a beautiful, traditional Peak District village with toilets, a small shop, pub, café and accommodation.
Nearby
The historic spa town of Buxton is 20 minutes’ drive from the start of our Saturday walk and 15 minutes’ drive from the start of our Sunday Walk. The town has a railway station and good transport links.
This is a Harder Walk at a Moderate Pace.
Please Note: Sunday’s walk on Chrome Hill requires a head for heights. There are steep drops on either side of the path.
We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >
Buxton (suitable for both days’ starting points)
The historic spa town of Buxton is 20 minutes’ drive from the start of our Saturday walk and 15 minutes’ drive from the start of our Sunday Walk.
Our Recommended Accommodation
Buxton Crescent Hotel > Experience timeless elegance at Buxton Crescent Hotel, a beautifully restored Grade I Georgian masterpiece. Built in 1789, this iconic hotel seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern luxury. With 81 beautifully appointed rooms, Darwin’s Bar, 1789 restaurant with contemporary classic British cuisine, award-winning luxurious thermal spa featuring natural thermal waters, and exceptional event spaces, every stay is truly unforgettable.
Old Hall Hotel > Step into history at the Old Hall Hotel, England’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1573. Located in the heart of Buxton, opposite the Opera House and Pavilion Gardens the Old Hall combines heritage charm with modern comforts. With elegant rooms, exceptional dining, and a rich historical ambiance, the Old Hall offers a unique and memorable experience for every guest.
Other Accommodation Options:
We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…