Ski Club of Manchester Mow Cop Walk, Sunday 12th April 2026

Reporter: David Shepherd

A select group of four SCoM members plus two energetic dogs met up with Joy Parsons at her ever-welcoming residence ready for her to lead us on another scenic hike in the hills around Congleton.

Suitably layered up to combat the wind and expected rain showers we started off in the direction of the town centre before veering south and up through sheep filled fields towards the aptly named Nick i’ th’ Hill and onto the Gritstone Trail where we paused for a mid-morning drink stop out of the wind at the last available sheltered spot before the long haul up the Mow Cop ridge. Val’s fold up picnic rug was admired by all, especially by Ruby the dog.

The expansive views from the ridge over the Cheshire plain & Biddulph moor could have been described as “bracing” as both appeared to be getting soaked by rain showers while except for a very brief downpour we somehow stayed dry for most of the day. The Old Man of Mow was the next highlight, a 65 foot high column of Gritstone left behind from ancient quarrying, which dwarfs anyone standing below.

Then it’s a short distance to the summit and lunch in the shelter of Mow Cop “castle” walls. It’s actually a folly built in 1754 for the purpose of being admired from afar by the residents of Ramsdell Hall, which we were to pass by later on in the day. The hill is also the site of the first meetings held by the Primitive Methodists, see Wikipedia for more details on it’s colourful history. As we descend westwards we pass the head of the notorious “killer” mile hill climb falling steeply away below us, a singular challenge for both runners & cyclists. We of course took the easier way down!

Passing through Mow Cop village we sampled the aroma of the fresh garlic flowers, a cause of some gentle humour at Andrew’s expense, and with the sun now shining the outer layers are removed as we headed north along the Macclesfield canal towpath by the heritage marina, stopping to admire the graceful canal side railings bordering Ramsdell Hall. Turning off the canal path at the aptly named Watery Lane, it’s then east to the Horseshoe pub for refreshing drinks in the covered beer garden.

The hike finished off through the Dreamcatcher meadows then back along a suddenly showery Boundary Lane for lots of tea, cake & conversation at Joy’s.

A big thank you to Joy for organising and leading another excellent hike.