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The Old Man of Mow – Mow Cop Castle loop from Congleton

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

The Old Man of Mow – Mow Cop Castle loop from Congleton

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

The Old Man of Mow – Mow Cop Castle loop from Congleton

06:17

23.5km

270m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.96 km

Macclesfield Canal Towpath and Stone Bridge

Highlight • Trail

very scenic route, but not the best surface for riding.

Tip by

2.11 km

View Down Macclesfield Canal Towards Congleton

Highlight • Cycleway

2.69 km

Biddulph Valley Way

Highlight • Trail

Lovely shared track through woodland.

Tip by

6.18 km

Willocks Wood

Forest

6.79 km

Willocks Wood

Highlight • Natural

Willocks Wood is a pretty woodland below Nick i' th' Hill. Composed of mainly oak and silver birch, the woodland is home to much flora and fauna.

Tip by

9.31 km

The Old Man of Mow is a mysterious rock on the summit of Mow Cop. From this spot, you experience an awe-inspiring vista. On a clear day, views stretch into seven counties and two countries; Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire, in England, as well as Flintshire and Denbighshire, in Wales.

Despite the hilltop being quarried extensively over the centuries, this huge piece of rock was spared. There are many theories as to why it was left but no solid answers, unfortunately. The top of the Old Man stands 65 feet (20 m) high, with the top of the rock roughly 1,100 feet (335 m) above sea level.

Tip by

9.69 km

Mow Cop Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mow Cop Castle is a famous landmark in Mow Cop, a village situated on a moorland ridge. The castle is actually a folly summerhouse, built to look like a ruin in 1754 by Randle Wilbraham, the local Lord of the Manor. From the castle, you get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Staffordshire moorlands and the Cheshire Plain.

Tip by

13.4 km

Flee Crows Plantation

Forest

15.4 km

Macclesfield Canal

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This breathtaking and peaceful walk along Macclesfield Canal will be sure to lift your spirits. You can enjoy spectacular views of green countryside and colourful canalboats whilst following a riverside footpath that passes under ancient stone bridges.

Tip by

20.6 km

Lambert's Lane Change Bridge (Macclesfield Canal)

Highlight • Bridge

This twisting bridge makes for a quirky crossing over the Macclesfield Canal. The bridge was built in 1831 and is now Grade II-listed.

Tip by

23.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.6 km

6.06 km

3.79 km

1.50 km

1.47 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

10.8 km

4.37 km

3.30 km

2.70 km

1.80 km

514 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (320 m)

Lowest point (90 m)

Weather

Thursday 16 July

24°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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The Old Man of Mow – Mow Cop Castle loop from Congleton

Macclesfield Canal Towpath and Stone Bridge

View Down Macclesfield Canal Towards Congleton

Biddulph Valley Way

Willocks Wood

The Old Man of Mow

Mow Cop Castle

Macclesfield Canal

Lambert's Lane Change Bridge (Macclesfield Canal)

Nearby routes

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