Walk leader: Lotte
Co-leaders: Serena & Chris
Date: 23/08/2026
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start time: 10:00
End time: 18:00
Start and end point: Flash Bar lay-by (circular route)
Start point - What 3 Words: ///blunt.sharpness.fluctuate
Distance (in miles): 14.3
Ascent (in meters): 900
Which Ethels are included in your walk, if any?: Axe Edge Moor, Cheeks Hill, Whetstone Ridge, Shutlingsloe, Oliver Hill
Is your walk dog friendly?: No

Full description:

Get ready for a full day of walking up a maximum of 5 Ethels! We start off heading north parallel to Leek Road along Axe Edge to the summit and trig point at Axe Edge Moor, Ethel #1 (easier option: turn left before the summit to cut off the highest bit). We then gradually descend towards Cheeks Hill, Ethel #2. From there, we cross some moorland and walk past disused quarries. Then it's up again to Whetstone Ridge, Ethel #3 (easier option: stay on the path instead of climbing the last bit to the top). After Whetstone Ridge, we descend some 300 metres before ascending nearly the same amount to reach the trig point on Shutlingsloe, Ethel #4 (easier option: head straight for Wildboarclough rather than detouring up to the summit). From Wildboarclough, it's a steady trek back through the valley to the start, with a mild incline across the last 4km. Right before the end, we face Oliver Hill, Ethel #5 (easier option: skirt around the hill rather than going over). There aren't any cafes or shops along the route, so make sure to bring plenty of food and water.

Public transport or car sharing options:

Free parking at the lay-by next to the bus stop at Flash Bar. There is very limited parking space, so please offer lifts and do not come on your own in a car. If you dare drive alone in your car, we'll make you run up Shutlingsloe 3 times! ;) Sadly, there is no viable public transport option to the start of this walk.