Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough
Cheshire
Shutlingsloe is the sharply pointed hill at the western edge of the Peak District, a 506 metre summit that is often called the Cheshire Matterhorn for the way its cone stands out above the surrounding valleys. Sheep and lambs are on the hill much of the year, so this short, steep climb suits a fit dog on a lead. This short circuit starts from the small Clough House car park beside Clough Brook in Wildboarclough, follows a gentle farm track to begin with and then climbs steeply to the trig point, where the view takes in Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with Macclesfield Forest spread below. The descent follows a flagstoned path with a few large steps before crossing fields back to the valley and a short road section to finish. The loop is about 4.8km with 262 metres of climbing, with muddy patches and three stiles.
This dog friendly walk packs a proper hill into a couple of hours, but it crosses sheep farming country, and the fields are often full of ewes and, in spring, lambs. Keep your dog on a short lead through the pastures and on the open hillside, and be ready to lift smaller dogs over the stiles. Clough Brook runs past the car park for a drink before or after, but there is little water on the climb itself, and the summit is exposed with no shade. Parking at Clough House is free and small, with overflow along Nabbs Road. The Crag Inn, a 17th century former farm a short walk away, welcomes dogs inside.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No toilets or cafe on route; the Crag Inn near the car park allows dogs inside (limited opening, check before visiting).
- Parking
- Clough House car park, Wildboarclough, free and small; overflow parking along Nabbs Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CheshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough dog friendly?
Shutlingsloe rates 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness — it's a rewarding short hill walk that suits a fit, well-behaved dog, and there's a welcoming pub at the end in the form of the Crag Inn, a 17th century former farm that allows dogs inside. The main considerations are the sheep that graze the hill and surrounding pastures much of the year, and three stiles that smaller dogs will need a hand over.
Can dogs be off lead at Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough?
Dogs should be kept on a short lead throughout this walk, as the fields and open hillside are sheep farming country with ewes and lambs present for much of the year. Even on the summit ridge, livestock can be nearby, so it's best to keep your dog close and under control at all times.
What should I know before visiting Shutlingsloe from Wildboarclough with my dog?
The route is short at around 4.8km but involves 262 metres of steep climbing, muddy patches, and three stiles, so it suits a fit dog rather than a young puppy or elderly companion. There's no water on the climb itself, though Clough Brook runs past the free car park and makes a good spot for a drink before or after — bring water for the hill, as the summit is exposed with no shade. Parking at Clough House is small, with overflow available along Nabbs Road, and the Crag Inn nearby is worth checking opening times for before you visit.
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Clough House Car Park, Nabbs Road, Wildboarclough, Macclesfield SK11 0BD
53.2259, -2.0206
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