The Cloud from Timbersbrook
Cheshire
The Cloud, also known as Bosley Cloud, is a gritstone hill on the Cheshire and Staffordshire border, just west of the Peak District, jointly managed by the National Trust and a local mountain bike club. Grazing land on the lower slopes means a lead for a dog, opening onto a short, sharply steep pull to the open summit. This 3.5 kilometre circular walk starts at the Timbersbrook picnic area and follows the Gritstone Trail up through woodland before a steep final pull onto the open summit at 343 metres. A toposcope at the top identifies the Dane Valley, the Pennine hills and the Potteries spread out below, and on a clear day the view stretches across the flat Cheshire Plain to the Jodrell Bank telescope. The paths are generally good and waymarked, but the last stretch to the summit crosses bare sandstone and can be slippery when wet.
This dog friendly walk climbs quickly, so it suits a dog that enjoys a short, proper workout rather than a long flat stroll. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout, as the open summit and surrounding farmland are grazed and the ground bike trail is shared with cyclists on the lower slopes. There is no water on the route, so bring some for a thirsty dog after the climb. The woodland sections lower down give shade in summer, and the going underfoot is mostly firm and well drained except near the rocky summit outcrop. Parking at Timbersbrook is free, and Congleton, a short drive away, has pubs and cafes for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route
- Parking
- Timbersbrook picnic area car park, free, off Weathercock Lane, Congleton
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to The Cloud from Timbersbrook, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CheshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Cloud from Timbersbrook dog friendly?
The Cloud from Timbersbrook is a decent option for dogs that enjoy a proper climb, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. It's a short circular walk of 3.5 kilometres starting from the free car park at Timbersbrook picnic area, with good waymarked paths and shaded woodland sections lower down. The main thing to bear in mind is that dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the route.
Can dogs be off lead at The Cloud from Timbersbrook?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for the entire walk. The lower slopes pass through grazed farmland and are shared with cyclists on the Gritstone Trail, while the open summit sits within grazing land too. It's worth knowing before you go so you can plan accordingly.
What should I know before visiting The Cloud from Timbersbrook with my dog?
The climb to the 343-metre summit is short but steep, so this walk suits a dog that enjoys a genuine workout rather than an easy stroll. There's no water anywhere on the route, so bring enough for your dog, especially after the climb. The final stretch to the summit crosses bare sandstone which can be slippery in wet weather, and there are no facilities on the route itself, though Congleton is a short drive away with pubs and cafes for afterwards.
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What’s Nearby?
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