Shining Tor

Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for the long views and the quietest paths, since the ridge is a well known route and weekends can be busy. Late summer brings heather colour to the moorland. Views depend entirely on the weather, and low cloud can reduce the summit to a trig point in the mist, so it is worth checking the forecast and keeping the walk flexible.

Walkers usually approach from the surrounding valley rather than driving to the top. Pym Chair is a common starting point, with paving slabs underfoot for much of the climb, which makes the ascent steady if not effortless. A longer alternative starts from the Errwood Hall car park in the Goyt Valley, a circuit of roughly 6.3 miles and around three hours, taking in Foxlow Edge, a stretch of the old Roman road known as The Street, and about a mile across open moorland before the ridge. The valley also holds woodland and the ruins of Errwood Hall, and longer loops of nine miles or more are possible for those who want a full day.

Any facilities, including car parks, belong to the valley and access points below. There is nothing at the summit itself: no parking, no toilets, no shelter, no cafe and no visitor centre.