Macc Forest, Shutlingsloe and Three Shire Head

Start from the Visitor Centre at Macclesfield Forest and follow the clear signs for Shutlingsloe. You will pass the damn of Trentabank Reservoir, then climb through Macclesfield Field to reach open moorland. Follow the well paved path to the obvious summit of Shutlingsloe. Enjoy the fantastic views, then carry on...

Drop down the back of Shutlingsloe (there is only one path) to Banktop and turn left along the the stream. You will arrive at a farm on a small junction: follow the footpath signs through the farm and head up the clough towards Danebower and Whetstone Ridge, following a river and plantation to the right (good picnic spots along here). At the top of the plantation, turn right towards Holt, cross the A54 and continue along the clear paths to Three Shire Heads. This is another stunning picnic spot and is a real sun-trap in the afternoon. From the bridge looking down the river, Cheshire is to your right, Staffordshire to your left and the big hill (Blackclough) behind you is in Derbyshire...

When you are ready to continue, look down the hill and take the path on the right of the river. This follows the flank of Cut-thorn Hill and crosses the A54 again to take you past Crag Hall and into Wildboarclough. On the way, you will cross some of the best open moorland of the walk, with great views of Shutlinsloe ahead. Take care through Wildboarclough as it is easy to go out of your way (though you will never have far to double back). Once you have crossed the main road through the village, start the ascent back up Shutlingsloe, then re-trace your steps back through Macclesfield Forest, following the signs for Trentabank.

If you get the time, it is worth taking a look at the heronry on Trentabank reservoirs; also lots of wildfowl on Trentabank and Ridgegate reservoirs.

Good pubs in Wildboarclough and the Cat & Fiddle is not too much of a diversions (you will see signs along the way).

This route is dog-friendly insofar as it keeps off roads. About half of the walk is fine to let your dog off the lead but there are quite a few livestock fields to be aware of.