Shutlingsloe: the Mini-mountain

Shutlingsloe isn't the highest summit in this book, nor the hardest, but it is the one that most closely resembles a child's drawing of a mountain. At 1,660ft (506m) it's also one of the highest points in Cheshire, only exceeded by the hills immediately to its east. Of these Shining Tor, on the Derbyshire border, reaches 1,834ft (559m), but - despite its enticing name - it is a shapeless lump by comparison. Shutlingsloe has a special place among Cheshire hills.

A direct approach from Wildboarclough is both steep and short, and doesn't really satisfy. Shutlingsloe deserves better. Devious though it may seem, a loop round through Macclesfield Forest adds substance to the walk and, though still steep in parts, is less drastic than the direct approach.

Macclesfield Forest is the name, not only of a lot of trees, but also of the hamlet that sits in a wrinkle of the hills. Its Forest Chapel dates from 1673 but owes its present appearance to Victorian rebuilding. It was originally a 'chapel of ease' for those who could not regularly make the trek to the parent church at Prestbury. It became an independent church in 1906 and St Saviour's, Wildboarclough, was in turn a subsidiary chapel. The chapel attracts large numbers to its annual rushbearing service, conducted in the churchyard.

Macclesfield Forest (the one with the trees this time) serves a practical purpose as a source of timber, and the reservoirs provide Macclesfield with most of its water, but it is also important for leisure and wildlife. The dark forest floors under the spruce trees are relatively bare, but the trees themselves are a good place to look for the tiny goldcrest. Although it's Britain's smallest bird, its active habits and bright orange cap make it relatively easy to spot. One of our largest birds, the heron, is also well represented, the colony on the shores of Trentabank reservoir being the largest in the Peak District. Stands of tall foxgloves are seen in recently cleared areas; they are among the first plants to colonise disturbed ground.

The contrast between the enclosed forest and the exposed moors is intense, whether it's bright sunshine or a stiff breeze (or both) that greets you. The path across the moors is well-marked and, for much of its length, has been surfaced with large gritstone flags, and more recycled stone makes the final steep rise straightforward. There's a view indicator just left of the trig point. There's a steep start - no flags yet - to the descent but then it gradually eases. The waters of Clough Brook once powered a mill, but most of this has now disappeared.

While you're there

It's only a few miles over the hill to Buxton, one of England's great spa towns, developed as a northern rival to Bath. The Victorian Opera House is not to everyone's taste, but there's much more unanimous approval for the elegant architecture of the 18th-century Crescent, set against fine formal gardens. On the edge of the town you can venture underground at Poole's Cavern.

What to look for

Bilberries can be found in many places, especially along the verges and the edge of the forest. It's a member of the heather family, though the resemblance is not immediately obvious. Small globular pinkish flowers appear from April to July, followed by the blue-black fruits. These are delicious when ripe, but be warned that they were once also harvested for dyes.

Where to eat and drink

The Crag Inn, Wildboarclough, provides overshoes - like those used in operating theatres - to cover your muddy boots. It's a thoughtful touch that many more pubs ought to copy, and seems to sum up the welcome. There's sheltered outside seating, while an open fire usually cheers the interior. The menu isn't extensive but everything on it is done well: you get a slice from a real pie, for example, rather than a dish with a disintegrating pastry 'lid'.