Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk
Table of contents
The Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular is a fantastic walking route in the Peak District with some solid uphill climbs and amazing views from the administrative border of Cheshire and Derbyshire counties. While out on the trail, you will cross open stretches of farmland before traversing a ridge with some scenic views. Shining Tor is a popular walking destination, so be sure to arrive early.
Route Description for Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk
The Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular is a popular walking route in Cheshire due to the spectacular views that can be experienced from the summits of Shining Tor and Cats Tor. The trail begins near the Lamaload Reservoir and crosses a stretch of open farmland terrain to the east before climbing up the steep ridge to reach the summit of Shining Tor. After taking in the amazing views over the farms, moors, and woodlands that make up the Peak District, you will head north to traverse the ridge towards Cats Tor. Meeting up with the road, you will have some nice views of the Windgather Rocks off in the distance before following along the road back to the trailhead where you began.
Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park
Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.
Getting to the Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk Trailhead
To reach the trailhead for the SHining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular from Macclesfield, drive southwest on Hooleyhey Lane for 1.3 km and follow it to the left onto Ankers Knowl Lane. After 1.0 km, turn right onto Buxton New Road and follow it for 2.4 km. Turn left onto Buxton Old Road and keep on for 2.7 km, turning left onto Buxton Road/A537. In 1.1 km, you will find a layby on the left for parking.
Route Information
When to do:
March-November
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Shining Tor and Windgather Rocks Circular Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Macclesfield Forest Walk via Forest Bridleway
Peak District
Eccles Pike Circular Walk
Peak District
Shining Tor via Cat and Fiddle Road
Peak District
Buxton to King Solomon’s Temple Walk
Peak District
Errwood Reservoir Walk
Peak District
Shining Tor Circular Walk
Peak District
White Nancy Circular Walk
Peak District
Shutlingsloe Circular Walk
Peak District
Tegg’s Nose Walk
Peak District
Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest
Peak District
Macclesfield Forest Circular Walk
Peak District
Macclesfield Forest and Cheshire Matterhorn Walk
Peak District