Shutlingsloe

10km estimated time 3 hours, total ascent 305m

The Peak District is known more for its fine, rocky edges and sweeping summit plateau than the super-sharp, pointy peaks. So that's why the 506m summit of Shutlingsloe, one of the area's highest tops, stands out for miles as such a super climb.

It's so pointy it's also known as the 'Matterhorn of the Peak District', and from this lesser walked direction via Macclesfield Forest, the view on the approach is the best angle and nicest climb. From this direction Shutlingsloe looks a little like a squashed witches hat, its flagstone path gently then more steeply climbing the north-western flanks, with some nice opportunities to scramble over the grippy gritstone rocks beside the path as it nears the summit.

This ascent from the forest reveals the beautiful woodland and reservoirs, with high viewpoints, good forest trails, and a nice bit of boggy…