SJ9063 : Disused Quarry
Challenging; steep paths, steps and stiles

The Cloud

343m Elevation
181m Prominence
England Country
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SJ9063 : Disused Quarry

Anthony O'Neil Photo source

Overview

The Cloud, also called Bosley Cloud, is a 343.4 m gritstone hill east of Congleton on the Cheshire–Staffordshire boundary. The National Trust cares for this popular walking landmark. Woodland paths climb to an open summit area with a trig pillar, toposcope and views over the Cheshire Plain. The recorded high point is a rock, distinct from the ground beside the trig plinth. Timbersbrook provides a signed walking approach with steep sections and stiles.

The Cloud (Bosley Cloud)

Summit and landscape

The Cloud is a 343.4 m gritstone landmark east of Congleton on the Cheshire–Staffordshire boundary. Bosley Cloud is an alternative name for the same hill. The highest recorded rock at SJ 90445 63689 is separate from both the lower northwest rocks and the ground beside the trig plinth. The summit area also has a toposcope.

Complete return walks

  • The published Timbersbrook circuit is 4 km, graded Challenging, with a stated time range of 1.5–2 hours. It climbs by the Gritstone Trail and returns via the eastern descent, field edge and pine plantation before rejoining the approach.
  • A direct-return option retraces the signed Timbersbrook ascent. The circular-route distance is not transferred to this alternative.

Use the detailed route descriptions and a suitable map. The walking paths have steep sections, steps and stiles. Stay on walking waymarks: the National Trust licenses designated mountain-bike routes to Congleton Mountain Biking Club, with signed pedestrian crossings.

Planning and safety

Start at Timbersbrook Picnic Area, SJ895627. Its car park has seasonal closing times. There are no toilets or refreshments on the route. Check current transport arrangements, local notices and the weather, and carry what you need for the full return. Wet roots, rough rock and winter ice require care.

Rock, name and history

Chatsworth Grit gives the hill its coarse sandstone outcrops. The name Cloud comes from Old English clΕ«d, rock. National Trust records interpret the Cloud Plantation banks as a former field system. The Bridestones burial monument is a separate site south of the summit.

Explore routes near The Cloud

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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Three Shires guided hike

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Tittesworth Reservoir

7.6 km ~2h Moderate

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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.

Timbersbrook and Bosley Cloud summit circuit

Visit Cheshire gives 4 km and 1.5–2 hours for this complete circuit. From Timbersbrook picnic-site car park (SJ895627), cross the grass and climb to Tunstall Lane. Turn left, then take the signed Gritstone Trail steps on the right. Follow the track and waymarked woodland paths through squeeze stiles to the summit. Continue east from the trig/toposcope area, descend through a squeeze stile and down steps to the concrete track, then turn right. Cross the stile ahead at the bend, turn right beside the field wall, and cross the next stile into the pine plantation. Rejoin the ascent path, descend to the track and retrace the steps and lane to the car park. Rough rock and step-over stiles require care.

4 km Challenging

Timbersbrook to the summit and back

Start at Timbersbrook picnic-site car park (SJ895627). Take the picnic-area path up to Tunstall Lane, turn left uphill and join the signed Gritstone Trail through the woodland. Continue on the waymarked walking paths across the upper heath to the summit rocks and trig/toposcope area. Return by the same paths and Tunstall Lane to the original car park. GPS Routes explicitly offers a same-way descent, but its 3.5 km figure describes a circular option; it is not applied to this out-and-back. Plan for steep ground, steps and stiles, and follow walking signs rather than mountain-bike tracks.

Steep paths and steps
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill Ethel

Elevation

343m

1,127 ft

Prominence

181m

Coordinates

53.1702, -2.1444

SJ904636

OS Map

118

Explorer: 268S

At the Summit

The recorded high point is a rock at SJ 90445 63689, height 343.4 m. DoBIH records it as 0.2 m higher than the rocks 30 m northwest at SJ 90423 63707. The ground beside the trig point on its plinth is 0.8 m lower than the high point. The trig pillar and toposcope are useful landmarks in the summit area; the pillar is not the recorded natural summit.

Terrain & Geology

Woodland footpaths steep steps rough gritstone outcrops heathland short lane sections squeeze stiles and step-over stiles

The hill is formed from Chatsworth Grit, part of the Millstone Grit succession. This coarse, feldspar-bearing sandstone contains bands of quartz pebbles and forms crags with cross-bedding. The Manchester Geological Association describes folding and faulting in the surrounding landscape and notes that ice passing around the hill helped shape its profile.

Views & Scenery

The summit overlooks the Cheshire Plain and Congleton, with views into the Dane Valley and towards the Pennine hills and the Potteries. Greater Manchester and more distant landmarks are visible when conditions allow. Use the toposcope to identify the skyline.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name comes from Old English clūd, meaning a rock or mass of rock. Simeon Potter’s Cheshire Place-Names identifies The Cloud near Buglawton as an example. Bosley Cloud is another name for this same hill.

Historical Significance

Banks in Cloud Plantation were once interpreted as a hillfort, but the National Trust heritage record describes them as a field system, probably older than the nineteenth-century enclosure and plantations. The nearby Bridestones is a separate Neolithic burial monument. At Timbersbrook, water powered a silk mill and its former pool survives within the picnic area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Timbersbrook Picnic Area car park, off Weathercock Lane, Timbersbrook, CW12 3PP; OS grid SJ895627. Cheshire East lists free parking, opening by 9 am each day and closing at 5 pm in winter or 8 pm during British Summer Time. Check the entrance notice and allow time to return before closing. Do not assume spaces will be available.

Public Transport

Check Cheshire East’s current bus timetable and journey-planning information for travel to Timbersbrook or Congleton, including the return journey and the walk to the trailhead. The older route leaflet names K80, but a current direct service was not verified; do not plan around that number without checking the operator.

Nearby Facilities

Timbersbrook has picnic areas and a car park. The route information lists no toilets or refreshments on the walk; bring water and food. Congleton has places to eat and drink.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, uneven paths, rock and tree roots can be slippery. Wear footwear with good grip and take care on descent.
  • Steps, squeeze stiles and step-over stiles make the summit circuit unsuitable as a step-free route.
  • Keep clear of steep rock edges, especially in wind or poor visibility.
  • Watch for cyclists at signed crossings. Mountain-bike routes are separate licensed trails; follow the walking waymarks.
  • Short lane sections carry traffic. Return before the car park closes and obey local signs or temporary restrictions.

Seasonal Hazards

Wet roots and gritstone need particular care. Snow or ice can make the steep paths and steps harder, and short winter daylight reduces the time available for the return. Check the forecast and the car-park closing time before setting out.

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 The Cloud?

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

Are there other walkers around The 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 The Cloud search or of course create your own walk for The Cloud

Can I organise a walk to The 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 The 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 The 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 The 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

The Cloud location map

Grid reference: SJ904636

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