Mow Cop Circular Route from Rode Heath | South Cheshire Way & Gritstone Trail

Todays route is a belter, absolutely stunning even if I do say so myself. Starting from Poolside at Rode Heath we follow a section of the South Cheshire Way past Little Morton Hall to the canal, on to Ackers Crossing and then following the path up past Hanging Wood and the Old Man of Mow to Mow Cop. The view from the top is stunning. We then headed back down following the Gritstone Trail and Holehouse lane.

The Route

From our starting point at Poolside, we head down the road towards Scholar Green and then take the path on the left which eventually brings you out at Little Morton Hall (which is well worth a visit). We cross the road and take the path past the Hall and on to the Macclesfield Canal where we join the canal and turn left getting off at Ackers Crossing. Cross the bridge and then turn left into Yew Tree Lane then take the path on the right under the railway then continue straight on, where the path splits bear left and then right straight up the field to hanging wood. Pass through the wood and up the field to the ridge then turn right then left past the Old Man of Mow. The track brings you to the road, turn right then immediately left to Mow Cop. After exploring Mow Cop exit via the free carpark and turn left on High Street. Take the second turn on your right which cuts through to Woodcock Lane, go straight on here on the Gritstone Trail marked path then left on the Halls road track and right on the gritstone trail path straight down the hill, at the Brake go straight on into Meadowside Lane and at the end turn left down Spring Bank. Follow the road all the way to the Rising Sun pub by the canal. For the shorter route take the canal here back to Ackers Crossing, otherwise carry on straight on turning right into Stone Chair Lane. At the end cross the A34 and turn right. Take the first road on your left, Holehouse lane, then take the path on your right which will bring you out on the first path we took at the beginning of the route. Turn left and right at the road back to Poolside.