Premium Walk
The Cloud
Walk Highlights
- Nearest Town:
- Congleton
- Postcode:
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- Parking:
- Unlock Parking Info
- Distance:
- 2.80 miles
- Time:
- 1.50 hours
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
- Terrain:
Terrain: Challenging hill terrain. The Cloud is a prominent gritstone escarpment (343m / 1,125ft). Paths leading to the summit are steep, rocky, uneven, and can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. The summit area is a mix of bare rock, heather, and bilberry. Surrounding paths through woodland (e.g., Cloud Wood) are also often steep, rooty, and muddy. Some sections involve stone steps or pitched paths.
- Get Directions:
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3-Day Dog Walking Forecast
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Ground Conditions
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Dog-Centric Details
- Poo Bins Available:
- Yes
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- No
- Dog Notes:
Dog Considerations:
- Leads: The Cloud is open access land but is very popular and surrounded by farmland where livestock (sheep, cattle) graze. Dogs **MUST be on leads or under extremely close and reliable control at all times**, especially when livestock are present (which is highly likely on approach paths and surrounding moorland) and during bird nesting season (March 1st to July 31st) to protect ground-nesting birds. The summit is rocky with some steep drops, so leads are vital for safety there, particularly if windy or crowded.
- Water: Natural water sources (small springs or boggy patches) will be peaty and unreliable. It is essential to carry plenty of fresh water for your dog, as the climb is strenuous and the summit exposed.
- Wildlife & Livestock: Sheep are very common. Upland birds (skylarks, meadow pipits, curlews), potentially birds of prey. Strict control of dogs is vital.
- Dog Bins: Usually available at the main National Trust car park (Cloud Quarry Car Park). Unlikely on the hill paths themselves. You **MUST** take all dog waste home.
- Hazards: Livestock. Steep, rocky, and slippery paths. Exposed summit with steep drops on some sides (especially north face). Old quarry workings. Sudden weather changes (mist, strong wind, rain can come in very quickly). Ticks common in bracken/heather. Can be very crowded on the summit.
- Stamina & Agility: Only suitable for fit dogs (and owners!) accustomed to steep hill climbing and rough, uneven, rocky terrain.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- No
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- Partial Off-Leash
- Dog Traffic:
- Moderate
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
- Printable Version:
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About this Walk
Starting Point: Parking areas for The Cloud (Bosley Cloud), typically the National Trust car park on Timbersbrook Road (near the Cloudside cafe/pub SK11 0NE, though the postcode is for the pub, car park is usually signposted "Cloud Quarry Car Park" or similar), or smaller lay-bys on local lanes like...