Towering trees, panoramic views, and hidden ruins — this 6-mile Peak District walk has it all.

Start: Pym Chair Car park

Distance: 6 miles

Elevation: 975 feet

Duration: >3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

Sometimes you just need a long walk in the forest.

This circular walk from Pym Chair, nestled in the Goyt Valley, is one of the best hidden woodland walks near Manchester. It combines everything that’s great about walking in the Peak District: peaceful woodland trails, wide-open ridge walks, quiet historical landmarks, and some of the best sunset views in the area.

Starting at Pym Chair car park, the route takes you through dense forest and past the haunting ruins of Errwood Hall, then climbs gently up to St Joseph’s Shrine, and further still to the scenic ridge line of Shining Tor and Cats Tor. On a clear evening, these ridges are the perfect spot for a sunset.

💡 Planning more walks like this? Search Forestry England to find your nearest forest trails and hidden gems.

Route difficulty

Walk type: Moderate — manageable for most, but includes some inclines and uneven ground.
Terrain: Woodland trails, gravel paths, and open moorland ridges. Expect a few muddy patches after rain.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies due to uneven terrain and steps near the ruins.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leads. Keep an eye out for sheep and ground-nesting birds.

Why you’ll love this walk

🌲 Forest therapy: Walk beneath towering trees and along winding paths that feel far away from the city.

🌄 Sunset-worthy views: Shining Tor and Cats Tor offer panoramic views across Cheshire, the Peak District, and beyond — perfect for golden hour.

🏛 Mysterious ruins: Discover the atmospheric remains of Errwood Hall, a Victorian estate now slowly being reclaimed by nature.

⛪️ Hidden shrine: Tucked into a hillside, St Joseph’s Shrine offers a surprising and spiritual pause, rich with local history.

🐾 Dog-friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads, especially around livestock. There’s plenty for them to sniff and explore.

Best woodland walk near Manchester?

If you're based in Manchester or the surrounding area, this walk is a brilliant half-day escape. It’s less than an hour’s drive, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

This loop through the Goyt Valley has a bit of everything: forest calm, hidden history, hilltop drama, and just the right level of challenge. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a seasoned hiker looking for a quieter trail — this one’s worth adding to your list.

Route highlights

Pym Chair

A remote-feeling spot with a Forestry England car park (and yes, it’s free). It's the perfect base for exploring this quieter corner of the Peak District. The name comes from a rocky outcrop nearby that resembles a chair, once used as a boundary marker centuries ago. Today, it’s a quiet spot with stunning views west toward Windgather Rocks and east over moorland. It’s also a prime starting point for multiple ridge walks, especially popular with photographers chasing late-afternoon light.

The car park is managed by Forestry England and is often quieter than other hotspots like Mam Tor or Kinder — making it a brilliant base if you want a less-crowded adventure.

Errwood Hall Ruins

These atmospheric ruins are all that remain of a once-grand country house. Built in the mid-1800s, Errwood Hall was once the luxurious home of the Grimshawe family, wealthy industrialists from Manchester. Though now only the stone foundations and arches remain, you can still walk through the footprint of the grand house, imagining the turrets and sweeping staircases that once stood here.

The ruins sit tucked away in the forest, with moss-covered walls and ivy climbing over crumbled windows — it feels a bit like stepping into a forgotten fairytale. In spring, you’ll often find the area dotted with bluebells and rhododendrons, planted by the Grimshawes themselves. It’s a peaceful spot to take a break, explore, and soak up the slightly haunting atmosphere.

St Joseph’s Shrine

Built by the Grimshawe family of Errwood Hall, this small shrine still attracts visitors and walkers. You’ll often find candles, flowers, or quiet reflections left behind. Just a short walk uphill from Errwood Hall, this small, stone-built shelter is tucked into the hillside. It was built by the Grimshawe family in memory of Miss Dolores de Ybarguen, a Spanish companion and teacher who lived with them. The shrine became a site of pilgrimage and quiet reflection and is still looked after today by local volunteers.

Inside, you’ll usually find candles, flowers, rosary beads, and notes left by visitors. Whether you're religious or not, it’s a touching and tranquil spot that adds a surprising layer of history to the walk. And if you’re into your photography, the view from just outside the shrine is especially photogenic, especially in soft morning light.

Shining Tor & Cats Tor

As the highest point in Cheshire at 559 metres, Shining Tor earns its place on any Peak District must-walk list. The path to the summit is steady rather than steep, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with wide-open views over the Cheshire Plain, Macclesfield Forest, and even out towards Snowdonia on a clear day.

From here, the trail continues along the ridge to Cats Tor — slightly lower in height, but arguably even better for sunsets. The ridgeline is exposed, with big skies and golden grasses that catch the light beautifully in the evening. It’s a great place to linger, grab a snack, and let the world slow down for a bit.

Getting to the starting point

By Car
Pym Chair Car Park is your best bet (postcode area: SK23 7RF). It’s run by Forestry England and is usually free. The drive up is narrow and scenic — go slow and enjoy the views.

By train/taxi
Public transport is limited here, but you can take a train to Whaley Bridge or Buxton, then hop in a taxi to Pym Chair.

✔️ Good to knows

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots recommended — especially after rain.
Facilities: No toilets or cafés at Pym Chair — come prepared.
Nearby food: Head to Whaley Bridge, Buxton, or Fernilee after your walk for pubs, bakeries, and coffee spots.

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the full walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

One of the best woodland walks near Manchester: A scenic loop from Pym Chair