SJ8557 : The Gritstone Trail

Mow Cop - Trig Point

335m Elevation
11m Prominence
England Country
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SJ8557 : The Gritstone Trail

Kate Jewell Photo source

Overview

Mow Cop - Trig Point

Mow Cop stands proudly at an elevation of 244 meters, providing not only splendid exercise but also a rich tapestry of history and geology. The summit's trig point and castle remain iconic landmarks among locals and visitors alike.

Geology

The sandstone that forms Mow Cop is a remnant from the Carboniferous period, which astonishingly means rocks here have been around longer than your grumpy uncle at a family gathering! The distinctive cliffs and rocky outcrops are a favourite for climbers and geologists, ensuring that even beneath their hiking boots, a story is unfolding.

Routes and Access

One of the most popular routes begins in Mow Cop Village, an easy 2 km walk that can be tackled within an hour. Bring your walking boots because the stony paths lead you up to the castle and trig point without the need for a superhero cape!

Nearest parking is conveniently located at Mow Cop Village, offering free access to eager hikers. Alternatively, for those preferring public transport, local buses can whisk you in from Congleton. Just try not to mix up your directions with your GPS, or you might just end up exploring the community centre instead!

Summit Features

Reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with not just the satisfaction of having conquered Mow Cop but also with picturesque views that capture both the Shropshire Hills and the rolling Cheshire Plain. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the trig point—#IClimbedMowCop is definitely a hashtag waiting to trend!

Hazards

As beautiful as it is, the trek does come with its fair share of hazards. The paths can be uneven, with muddy sections that are particularly keen to ambush unsuspecting footwear. If you have little ones in tow, keep a close eye on them, especially near the steeper drops!

Nearby Summits

Mow Cop is not alone in its majesty; nearby summits such as The Cloud and Croker Hill offer even more hiking opportunities. Why not extend your adventure and chase more summits?

Facilities

Once you’ve descended and possibly worked up a thirst, a quick trip back to Mow Cop Village will lead you to charming cafes and perhaps that well-deserved slice of cake.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just fancy a light walk coupled with spectacular views, Mow Cop - Trig Point offers something for everyone. Strap on those walking boots and head out for an adventure that promises to be both enjoyable and invigorating!

Explore routes near Mow Cop - Trig Point

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

Rudyard Lake Circuit near Leek

7.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Apedale Circular Route

7.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Sandbach Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Deep Hayes Country Park: Cumberledge Pool and woodland circuit

2.2 km ~1h 15m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Mow Cop Castle Route

A pleasant walk starting from Mow Cop Village, culminating at the iconic trig point with its impressive views.

2 km ~1 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Submarilyn

Elevation

335m

1,100 ft

Prominence

11m

Coordinates

53.1149, -2.2130

SJ858575

OS Map

118

Explorer: 258 268S

At the Summit

The summit is adorned with a trig point and the ruins of Mow Cop Castle, offering a taste of history along with a panoramic vista.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassland and some well-trodden paths.

Mow Cop is primarily composed of sandstone, which dates back to the Carboniferous period. The rocky outcrops provide fascinating geological features and a perfect playground for budding geologists.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the sprawling Cheshire Plain, the Shropshire Hills, and even the Welsh mountains peeking through the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Mow Cop' is believed to derive from the Old English 'mow', meaning 'to cut or mow', and 'cop', a term for hill.

Historical Significance

The site has historical importance, particularly due to Mow Cop Castle, built in the 18th century as a folly.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Mow Cop Village, where there are no charges—so no excuses for not shelling out for a scone later!

Public Transport

Accessible via local bus services, including the 3A route from Congleton.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the summit, but refreshments can be found in Mow Cop Village—perfect for a celebratory cuppa after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain and steep drops in certain areas. It's wise to keep an eye on the little ones!
  • Muddy paths can be encountered after rainy periods.

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 Mow Cop - Trig Point?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mow Cop - Trig Point through the maps

Are there other walkers around Mow Cop - Trig Point?

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 Mow Cop - Trig Point search or of course create your own walk for Mow Cop - Trig Point

Can I organise a walk to Mow Cop - Trig Point?

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 Mow Cop - Trig Point.

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 Mow Cop - Trig Point?

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.

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Location

Mow Cop - Trig Point location map

Grid reference: SJ858575

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Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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