Introduction
Warmer weather is drifting in as early spring progresses. However, today was quite cool, around 8degC. As forecast, it began sunny, and gradually clouded over, so I was glad to have made an early start.
I’ve often viewed Hen Cloud from afar and thought it looked an interesting place to walk, so setting out today I hoped not to be disappointed. Hen Cloud is at the southern end of The Roaches escarpment. It’s 100m lower than the summit of The Roaches, and separated by a col to form a distinct hill. The large Tittesworth Reservoir lies immediately to the southeast.
I had no expectation for Ramshaw Rocks, but this edge was similarly spectacular.
It is just under an hour’s drive from Cheadle Hulme.
This was a relatively short 5.9 mile walk. However with 1330 feet, 405 metres, of ascent, it is a route with some challenge. The walk took 2 hours 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for lunch.
The walk doesn’t afford much opportunity for dogs to run off the lead, being either farm pasture or rocks with dangerous cliff edges.
I drove through Upper Hulme and up a short hill to park where the road widened out at Butty Fold Farm. For satnav use postcode ST13 8TY.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map 24.
Upper Hulme To Hen Cloud
The walk from Upper Hulme to Middle Hulme follows the Churnet Way over farmland, with views across to Tittesworth Reservoir, and up to Hen Cloud.
After Benthead, I loved this well worn, but exceptionally sturdy bridge over a small stream.
Soon, I’m heading uphill, and Hen Cloud looms closer!
After crossing the minor road, the views across to Tittesworth Reservoir gave an indication of what would follow.
To my left, on The Roaches, a party of children is receiving instruction on how to climb or scramble up the rocks.
Slightly out of breath, I was soon approaching the top of Hen Cloud.
It’s just a great spot to soak in the views, with the Welsh hills clearly in sight in the distance.
And here’s a 180 degree panorama picture.
Hen Cloud To Ramshaw Rocks
The descent around and below the ridge required care. Here, Ramshaw Rocks are visible to the left of the picture.
The woodland above Roaches House provided a pleasant variation.
To my left, the climbers were still enjoying The Roaches.
I was surprised by the amount of climbing I was facing to reach the top of Ramshaw Rocks.
The extra height became apparent when I finally looked down from the top onto Hen Cloud, the woodland I’d descended through, and Tittesworth Reservoir beyond.
And here’s another 180 degree panorama from the A53 to my left to The Roaches on my right.
There were plenty of interesting rocky outcrops to find shelter from the wind, and stop for lunch!
Descent To Upper Hulme
Approaching Naychurch Farm, the fields and woodland below Hen Cloud gave a softer feel to the landscape.
A pond at Ferny Knowl was full of frog spawn!
The final section of the walk followed a tumbling stream, down past Dains Mill.
Back in Upper Hulme, the stream has been made into a feature of the hamlet.
This was a truly memorable walk – not very long, but always promising and then delivering magnificent views across North Staffordshire. Well worth trying!
And Finally….
This is a lovely track from a few months ago, by Big Red Machine, featuring Fleet Foxes and Anais Mitchell. From the album How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last, this is “Phoenix”.
Went round Tittesworth Resevoir yesterday with Ryecroft gang. Not as good a day as today but OK in the Lazy Trout in Meerbrook.
Oh yes, I drove past there; looks very inviting!