Biddulph Grange & Mow Cop, Staffordshire

An eye-catching Ramblers route (more details in Ramblers Walk Magazine Issue 80 Autumn 2023) steeped in heritage walking along old railway lanes (former Knotty railway), paths and woodland. Highlights are: the ruins of the folly Mow Cop's castle offering fantastic views (on a clear day), a distinctive rock feature in the landscape, The Old Man o'Mow, and walking along the airy part-wooded ridge on the Gritstone Trail which straggles both counties of Cheshire and Staffordshire.
There will be an optional stop at The Hideaway Cafe at the end of the walk but please bring lunch and refreshments for en route.

Circular Walk
Start time 10:30am
Estimated finish time 3pm
Distance: 8mi / 12.9km

Start place: 10.30am Park/meet at Biddulph Grange Country Park (free parking) ST8 7XX and not the nearby National Trust car park. Free toilet facilities at The Hideaway Café.
Time: 10:30am
Grid Ref: SJ893593
Postcode: ST8 7XX
What3Words: ///habit.opera.masterpiece

Start time is when the walk commences. Please arrive earlier to ensure you are ready for the start

🅿️ Is parking available?
Yes, Free parking is available

👞 What should I wear?
Wear walking boots/shoes or sturdy trainers - bringing a waterproof coat is also recommended.
Additionally...
If it's cold: gloves, hat, scarf, warm trousers and a fleece/warm top.
If it's hot: sunscreen, hat, a pair of shades and a thin top - it may get hot.

🥪 Do I need to bring food?
A packed lunch, snacks and water are recommended.

🚶 How hard is this walk?
This walk is moderate and suitable for most people who have walked a few times. It should be doable by most people.

I have never walked with the group before and/or don't know anyone, can I still come?
Yes! This group is a great way to meet new people, socialise, get out in nature and improve your fitness. We welcome any and all people to come along.

🚗 I can't get to the walk, are lift shares available?
There are a few methods to look for lift shares:

• Post a comment on the event
• Join our Discord and post in the #lift-sharing channel, don't forget to specify the walk you are looking for a lift for.

We also encourage people that are coming along to offer lift shares to others when possible.

🐶 Can I bring my dog?
Unless stated in the description, dogs are welcome provided they are well behaved around people/other dogs and kept on a lead/under control in areas where there may be livestock.

⚠️ Some walks may have stiles, and you may need to lift them over. ⚠️

📞 How can I contact the event organiser?
Walks are led by volunteers, and not all of them use [[Meetup.com.](http://meetup.com./)](http://meetup.com./) The best way to contact the walk leader is via the Groups website wmwg.org.uk/walks
It is unlikely the walk leader will read messages on the day, especially minutes before the event starts, so please try to contact them in advance with queries.

🗒️ Who runs this group?
We are known as West Midlands Walking Group (WMWG), and are a Ramblers Association group, ran by volunteers. As well as walks almost every weekend, we regularly have social events and trips away multiple times per year. You can find more information on our website: https://www.wmwg.org.uk/
You are allowed to attend 3 walks before you need to become a member of The Ramblers (around £43~ a year).
The Ramblers is a walking charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoying walking in green spaces, as well as preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks and trails across England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more on their website: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/
If you have any questions, please send us a message on Meetup.