Peak District Walks
The Cloud
Date: 16th November 2014
Distance: 2.7 miles
Ascent: 590 feet
Time: 1 hour 30 mins
With: On my own
Start Grid Ref: SJ894627
Walk Summary:
A short but very enjoyable walk from Timbersbrook on to the superb summit of The Cloud.
Route Summary: Timbersbrook - Gosberryhole Lane - Cloud Plantation - The Cloud - Cloud Side - Cloud Plantation - Gosberryhole Lane - Timbersbrook
Photos: Click on the photos below to enlarge.
Walk Detail: After a fairly dull walk on to Gun in the morning I drove west from Meerbook to the small village of Timbersbrook, near Congleton, so that I could bag The Cloud. Like Gun, The Cloud has the distinction of being a Marilyn, a hill with a height gain of 150m or more on the surrounding area.
Starting from the car park in Timbersbrook this was a short and seemingly popular little walk. Whereas I'd seen no one out walking on Gun there were plenty of people on The Cloud which is perhaps not surprising as it was much the finer hill of the two.
After a steep initial climb up through the woods there followed a flatter section on Gosberryhole Lane before a gentler pull brought me out of the trees and to the dramatic summit of The Cloud. Overlooking the steep northern slopes of the hill and some fine gritstome outcrops the summit was a really fine place. Even on a cloudy day of poor visibility I could still really appreciate the view, particularly west across the Cheshire Plain.
It was also by far the busiest summit I'd visited that weekend and shortly after my arrival at the trig point a large family caught me up and took up residence around the trig point itself so I had to miss out on my customary picture next to the trig point. At least I managed to get a photo of it on its own.
Continuing on the path swung around to the eastern side of the hill. I made a few detours to look over the 'edge' and to enjoy some better views back up to the summit than those afforded by the path. Eventually the path led through the bottom of the woods to rejoin my outward route and an easy walk back to Timbersbrook.
Although this was very short compared to most of the walks I do it is perfect if you only have an hour or two available and no doubt that is why it seemed fairly popular. Certainly if you are ever in the area then it is a walk that I'd definitely recommend.
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