THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Shutlingsloe: The Comfortable One
There are bigger hills and there are steeper hills, but there are very few that fit quite like Shutlingsloe. It stands there like a witch’s hat set down carefully in the folds of Cheshire, entirely pleasant. One of the three Cheshire Peaks, the middle child, and, like most middle children, it’s perhaps the most balanced of them all.
I was first shown what I call the ‘back end’ of Shutlingsloe by friends, this particular day, though, it was just Pika (the dog) and myself, moving through dry paths, wispy clouds with a light spring breeze urging us onward.
Fair warning, there is one short, sharper pull upward that reminds you this is still a hill with standards but, at the top the view opens cleanly in every direction and you feel higher than the map suggests. The skyline is simple and satisfying. And the rest of the walk feels like being carried along by a good plot.
After the summit comes the detour. We ascend into a scene from an Agatha Christie novel with St Andrew’s Church sitting quietly in Wildboarclough. There’s a stillness and the faint sense that a jolly, murderous subplot might unfold at any moment. It is well worth the pause with a snack on the church bench. A moment where time behaves politely and waits for you to catch up.
The return threads through fields, past pubs and into Macclesfield Forest, with generous views across to Tegg’s Nose (the neighbouring summit). The landscape keeps shifting, but nothing ever feels rushed or demanding.
In spring and summer especially, it feels bright and friendly. Reliable. Good fitting. Quietly flattering.
Whilst some hills are once in a lifetime, Shutlingsloe is the one that fits like your favourite jumper, and will become part of your rotation season after season.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: Begin at Standing Stone Car Park and turn right along Forest Side road, crossing Standing Stone Road, through the gate and onto the Forest Bridleway. Next leave the bridleway taking the left path, before quickly taking the next night path which snakes through a lightly wooded area.
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Continue straight all the way up the Shutlingsloe summit, before taking the path down the Side of the hill (there at a couple so pick which looks best for you). Soon you’ll join Banktop Rd before detouring into Wildboroughclough and across the nearby road bridge to reach St Andrews Church (the perfect place for a snack stop).
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When ready turn back on yourself slightly, heading towards Nabbs Road and the The Crag Inn Water Bar and Crag Spring water (where you can sample some of the worlds finest waters).
Just past this turn right to join a trail path through fields. These bring you back onto Nabbs road briefly before going another path heading right (following Highmoor Brook for a shot while).
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This path doesn’t deviate until you hit Hanging Gate Inn (another fine pub for a stop with great views). When ready head south down Ridge Hill road, a pleasant, narrow lane, and hook a right, following the lane all the way to some stunning view of Tegg’s Nose on your left.
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Keep following this quiet lane as it turn right into Macclesfield Forest where you’ll rejoin the Forest Bridleway (being considerate of horses and such).
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Finish: Follow the Bridleway past the exits for Shutlingsloe before taking a footpath right, uphill and back to the car park.
Sense The Scene
See: the ‘conical hat’ of Shutlingsloe rising ahead, stone cottages tucked into folds below, old-timey villages and church vibes.
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Hear: a light breeze rustling the grass and moorlands, distant birdsong carrying easily on spring air, woodpeckers in the forest depths.
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Smell: hedgerow blossom in season, crisp pine, woodland scent in the forest, heather, and wild garlic (in spring).
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Feel: the short steep pull of the ascent, a soft wind against your face at the summit, pleasantly surprised.
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Taste: peat, pine resin and slight citrus notes on the air.
Practical Parts
Parking: Free parking (at time of writing) but very limited availability. Arrive early and be mindful of farm access.
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Facilities: No facilities at car park or on the hill itself. Plenty of pubs along the route (check opening times). Some small detours can include public toilets at the Trentabank Car Park (towards the end of the route).
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Hazards: One short, steeper ascent to the summit. Paths can become muddy after rain. Livestock may be present in fields. Some roads and narrow lane, although quiet be aware of vehicles.
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