SJ8557 : The Gritstone Trail

Old Man of Mow

337m Elevation
143m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SJ8557 : The Gritstone Trail

Kate Jewell Photo source

Overview

Old Man of Mow

The Old Man of Mow, standing proudly in the Peak District, can be a delightful destination for hikers seeking adventure and serene landscapes. Topping at an elevation of 511 meters, it's a Marilyn, easily accessible yet offering enough of a challenge to keep even seasoned hikers on their toes.

Geology

Layered sandstone offers a fascinating peek into geological history. The gritstone edges add a dramatic flair; just be sure to bring your best climbing shoes if you fancy a bit of scrambling!

Routes

A popular starting point is Mow Cop; a four and a half-kilometre trail winds gracefully to the summit. It’s a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels (unless your idea of fitness involves a sofa!).

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by an impressive stone cairn. A perfect place for a selfie to show off to your mates back home!

Terrain Type

Expect a delightful mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. Keep your feet and eyes alert; those boggy patches can be a bit sneaky!

Views

The view from the top is a reward in itself. You can see the Cheshire Plain stretch out before you and the rolling hills of South Pennines in the distance. Early risers in autumn are especially rewarded with golden sunrises that are nothing short of magical.

Hazards

Just a friendly reminder: weather can be as fickle as British humour, changing unexpectedly. Ensure you’re well prepared, particularly in winter. And remember, wet rocks are not your friends!

Access

Mow Cop village has a decent-sized car park for your chariot, but do get there early if you want to secure a spot. Public transport options include a bus from Congleton, making it accessible for those wishing to leave the car at home.

Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, a quaint little café in Mow Cop can satisfy any hot drink cravings, and there are public toilets available to offer relief after your ascent.

History

The Old Man of Mow's name hints at stories of yore, possibly relating to folklore. It's been a beacon for local navigators and populations for centuries.

So, pack your bags, grab your walking shoes, and head on over to the Old Man of Mow for a day filled with adventure, stunning views, and perhaps a little bit of history too. Just be sure to bring someone to share the cake with at the top!

Explore routes near Old Man of Mow

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

View route

Apedale Circular Route

7.2 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Sandbach Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Deep Hayes Country Park: Cumberledge Pool and woodland circuit

2.2 km ~1h 15m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Mow Cop to Old Man of Mow

A popular route starting from Mow Cop, this well-defined path gently ascends towards the summit, offering stunning views along the way.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 300-399m hill

Elevation

337m

1,106 ft

Prominence

143m

Coordinates

53.1151, -2.2132

SJ858575

OS Map

118

Explorer: 258 268S

At the Summit

At the summit, stands a venerable stone cairn, which serves as a cheerful reminder that you've reached the top — now you can reward yourself with snacks!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with some areas of heather and patches of boggy ground in wetter seasons.

The peak is primarily composed of sandstone, providing a rugged yet scenic appeal with occasional outcrops. An interesting feature is the presence of gritstone edges which can be both a sight and a challenge depending on the weather.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy striking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Cheshire Plain and the hills of the South Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Mow' likely derives from the Old English word for 'hill', while 'Old Man' may refer to local tales or folklore surrounding the peak.

Historical Significance

Historically, Old Man of Mow has been a landmark for local navigators and a place for community gatherings.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at Mow Cop village, located just off the A5272, with space for around 20 vehicles. It can get busy at weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Congleton, with bus stops located near the village.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain; however, Mow Cop village has a small café and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes, particularly in winter. The rocky terrain can be slippery when wet.

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 Old Man of Mow?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Old Man of Mow through the maps

Are there other walkers around Old Man of Mow?

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 Old Man of Mow search or of course create your own walk for Old Man of Mow

Can I organise a walk to Old Man of Mow?

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 Old Man of Mow.

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 Old Man of Mow?

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 Old Man of Mow 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

Old Man of Mow location map

Grid reference: SJ858575

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

The Roaches

505m

 Kinder Scout

Kinder Scout

636m

 The Wrekin

The Wrekin

407m

Winter Hill

456m

 Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill

557m
See 5 more nearby hills