SK0061 : Hen Cloud

Hen Cloud

410m Elevation
61m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SK0061 : Hen Cloud

Stephen Craven Photo source

Explore routes near Hen Cloud

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Hen Cloud Circular Walk

A popular circular route starting from the car park, offering varied terrain and spectacular views as you circumnavigate the crag.

5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Ethel

Elevation

410m

1,345 ft

Prominence

61m

Coordinates

53.1513, -1.9887

SK008615

OS Map

119

Explorer: OL24W

At the Summit

The summit features a small cairn and provides ample rocky outcrops to take in the magnificent views.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and steep with sparse vegetation that gives way to open moorland as you ascend.

Hen Cloud is primarily composed of gritstone, which has resulted from the accumulation and compression of sand during the Carboniferous period. This rugged geology contributes to its steep cliffs and dramatic appearance.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the vast expanse of the Peak District, including the rolling hills of the surrounding area and the distant silhouette of other peaks.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hen Cloud' is believed to derive from the Old English word 'hen', meaning 'high', combined with 'cloud', suggesting a high place often surrounded by mist.

Historical Significance

Hen Cloud is a significant climbing destination, known for its unique gritstone rock formations that attract climbers of all abilities.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a designated car park at SK007618, just a short walk from the foot of the hill.

Public Transport

The closest railway station is in Leek, from which there are local bus services to the vicinity of the Peak District.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Hen Cloud, but Leek offers cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The ascent can be steep and rocky, so proper footwear should be worn. Beware of loose stones on the paths.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Hen Cloud?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Hen Cloud through the maps

Are there other walkers around Hen Cloud?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Hen Cloud search or of course create your own walk for Hen Cloud

Can I organise a walk to Hen Cloud?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Hen Cloud.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Hen Cloud?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Hen Cloud here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SK008615

View on OpenStreetMap

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