{"id":1005077,"date":"2022-03-17T16:56:41","date_gmt":"2022-03-17T16:56:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.half-daywalker.com\/?p=1005077"},"modified":"2022-11-04T15:23:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T15:23:14","slug":"upper-hulme-hen-cloud-and-ramshaw-rocks-near-leek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.half-daywalker.com\/?p=1005077","title":{"rendered":"Upper Hulme, Hen Cloud, and Ramshaw Rocks, Near Leek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hen Cloud Pictured At The Right Hand End of The Roaches Escarpment<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I had no expectation for Ramshaw Rocks, but this edge was similarly spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is just under an hour’s drive from Cheadle Hulme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk doesn\u2019t afford much opportunity for dogs to run off the lead, being either farm pasture or rocks with dangerous cliff edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Upper Hulme To Hen Cloud<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After Benthead, I loved this well worn, but exceptionally sturdy bridge over a small stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Soon, I’m heading uphill, and Hen Cloud looms closer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After crossing the minor road, the views across to Tittesworth Reservoir gave an indication of what would follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To my left, on The Roaches, a party of children is receiving instruction on how to climb or scramble up the rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slightly out of breath, I was soon approaching the top of Hen Cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It’s just a great spot to soak in the views, with the Welsh hills clearly in sight in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And here’s a 180 degree panorama picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hen Cloud To Ramshaw Rocks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The descent around and below the ridge required care. Here, Ramshaw Rocks are visible to the left of the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The woodland above Roaches House provided a pleasant variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To my left, the climbers were still enjoying The Roaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I was surprised by the amount of climbing I was facing to reach the top of Ramshaw Rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And here’s another 180 degree panorama from the A53 to my left to The Roaches on my right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There were plenty of interesting rocky outcrops to find shelter from the wind, and stop for lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Descent To Upper Hulme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Approaching Naychurch Farm, the fields and woodland below Hen Cloud gave a softer feel to the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A pond at Ferny Knowl was full of frog spawn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The final section of the walk followed a tumbling stream, down past Dains Mill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Back in Upper Hulme, the stream has been made into a feature of the hamlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This was a truly memorable walk – not very long, but always promising and then delivering magnificent views across North Staffordshire. Well worth trying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Finally….<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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