Congleton to Mow Cop - MEDIUM WALK

Congleton to Mow Cop Distance: 9 miles Height gain: 991ft (OS) SJ 86716217 CW12 3RN

Start 10.00 am A moderate walk with some short, very muddy stretches Poles are recommended. Please bring a packed lunch and drinks. We will meet on Derwent Drive which is off Canal Street, on the left, after you’ve passed underneath the canal bridge. From there we will walk to Moss Road before making a gradual ascent to Cheshire’s Close where we will join the Gritstone Trail. We will follow the Gritstone Trail, passing the 'Old Man of Mow' on route. A finger of rock which was left after the quarry was last used. The ‘Old Man’ is a finger of rock which was left after the quarry was last used. It used to be a rock climber's paradise, but now is deemed to be too unsafe to climb. From there it’s a short walk to Mow Cop Castle where we’ll take a break for lunch.

Mow Cop Castle is a relatively ‘recent’ addition to the skyline. In 1754 the Squire of Rode Hall decided that the skyline needed enhancing, so the castle was partially built and has never been completed. It gave work to local people and made the view from Rode Hall 'that bit better'. Mow Cop was also used as a meeting place for John Wesley, which led to the formation of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. After leaving Mow Cop we will walk down the South Cheshire Way to Ackers Crossing where we will join the Macclesfield Canal for a short stretch before cutting across fields to Glebe Farm, Lamberts Way and back to the start.