Birdwatch on woodsy trails to Cheshireâs high points or mountain bike on the Peak Districtâs edge.
Mere miles from bustling Macclesfield town yet with a surprising level of wild serenity, Macclesfield Forest is a small area of conifer forest in an enviable location on the Peak District National Parkâs western edge. It constitutes part of the loneliest tract of land in Cheshire, including the countyâs highest points, Shining Tor and Shutlingsloe, the latter being walkable from the forest. Meanwhile, the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk, bisecting the forest, is the areaâs big hike, and thereâs great nearby cycling too. Camp west in the gateway village of Sutton Lane Ends or south of Shutlingsloe at Wildboarclough.
These two villages comprise the main gateway to the forest to the west, and fall under the same overarching parish. Only a few miles from Macclesfield, a balmy, bucolic vibe pervades. There are several atmospheric pubs and the only organised camping site close to the forest. Continuing east from Langley up Clarke Lane, youâll quickly reach the Macclesfield Forestâs edge.
This reservoir is the heart of Macclesfield Forest, home to the Peak Districtâs largest heronry, a nature reserve, and visitor centre. Birdwatch or spot other creatures including badgers, weasels, and red deer, get refreshments at the Leatherâs Smithy pub, or take to the forest walking and cycling trails. A great walk runs through the forest and up to Shutlingsloe summit.
On Macclesfield Forestâs north side is this irresistibly pretty country park, occupying the site of a former quarry and the surrounding steep-sided moors. Climbing and abseiling are big here, and the one-hour Rockâs Trail highlights the areaâs geology with a visit to Teggâs Nose summit. There is also the challenging âGrit and Gears IIâ mountain bike route, a tearoom, and a visitor centre.
Cheshireâs second-highest hill, Shutlingsloe is linked by footpath across the moor near Macclesfield Forest. Views from the 1,670-foot top are superbâover the Peak District and across most of Cheshireâand the summit is also the highest point on the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk. Englandâs last wild boar was supposedly killed nearbyâwhich is one theory behind the etymology of Wildboarclough, the village below the hill where youâll find camping and a pub.
The South West Peak region of the Peak District National Park rolls away east of Macclesfield Forest, typically the national parkâs least-visited region. Itâs a zone loosely bounded by Macclesfield, Buxton, Kettleshulme, and Ilam, mixing barren plateau with fetching lower-lying pasture, while deeply scored cloughs divide the two. Long-distance hikes passing through include the Dane Valley Way and Churnet Way. Wildboarclough and the Manifold Valley make beautiful, quiet camping bases.