A Cloudy Ascent of The Cloud

I think I speak for everyone when I whinge that I’m sick of Lockdown 3.0. We all miss the pubs, we all miss our friends/fam, we all miss holidays etc etc etc. Personally, I miss having the freedom to explore, or just drive aimlessly into the distance. I already exhausted my walking routes around Winsford throughout Lockdown 1.0, so during 3.0 I’ve barely used them. Thus, I’ve spent a lot more time inside, not exercising and probably eating more than I should.

With restrictions progressively easing, I have a hike up the Lake District’s Great Gable approaching at the end of March – and I do not feel ready for it. This year, my body has grown accustomed to slobbing in a horizontal position, feeding itself chocolate.

I was in need of a change. A change of scenery and a change of lifestyle. I headed to The Cloud near Congleton, Cheshire.

The Cloud

Also known as Bosley Cloud, The Cloud is a hill just inside the Peak District and forms part of the Cheshire Gritstone Trail. At just 343m (1125ft), it is a very simple hike that takes you through some pretty, ancient-looking woodland. There are numerous trails up and down The Cloud, including some mountain bike tracks. The summit is maintained by the National Trust, and on clear days offers lovely views of the Cheshire Plains.

I’d never been to The Cloud. It was one of those places that, when fellow Cheshirefolk found out I liked hiking, they’d bring up The Cloud. And I’d no idea where it was or what it was. Appropriately (and typically for me), the hill was shrouded in cloud on the day I finally decided to walk it. Ha. Of course.

I parked at Timbersbrook Car Park which is open until 5pm in the winter and 8pm in British summer time. Parking is FREE.

From the car park, you walk through the picnic area and join Tunstall Road, where there is also space to park on the side of the street if the car park is full. After a short walk up Tunstall Road, you come to a kissing gate, on the other side of which are some pretty steep stairs up the hillside to Gosberryhole Lane (what a name).

The stairs are a real reminder of just how unfit Harriet and I had become.

From Gosberryhole Lane however the incline is moderate and easy. Soon, you come to the National Trust trail that leaves the Lane.

The woods were eerily quiet.

It’s about a 25 minute walk to the top and it was lovely to take in the outstanding views.

There is a toposcope at beside the trig point which is useful for helping you find the landmarks you can’t see.

The Cloud’s summit plateau is mostly heather-strewn, but for this barren rocky outcrop near the trig point. There is a bit of a tumbly fall if you overstep yourself at the edge.

But I am a SEASONED PRO now at this game so of course we made it down The Cloud safely. At the bottom we skirted around the old mill pool in Timbersbrook and saw a kingfisher.

BTW. By the time we’d reached the car, the clouds had cleared and we could see the summit. I’m actually getting bored of complaining about how many times this happens to me. Change the record, Life!

I’m thinking of making The Cloud my new local mini-hike. It’s not too difficult but it gets the heart pumping – especially at the start. I’ve since been a second time and I am looking forward to regular treks before inevitably getting bored and fed up of not being able to go anywhere and sinking back into my Winsford shell. Who knows.