And here we are again, another hill! We picked a bad day today in terms of hoping for a view. All the books say that The Cloud (343m) has fantastic views. I'm sure that's true, but from our perspective, once you've seen the inside of a cloud, the view doesn't really change much...The Cloud can be found in Cheshire, just outside the Peak District, and can be seen from all around. The views (on a clear day) take in much of the Cheshire Plain. The walk was good. Starting from the picnic area at Timbersbrook you can follow the Gritstone Trail up the hill. The Staffordshire Way also seems to make it up here (obviously having lost it's way and ended up in Cheshire...) The trail is easy to follow and the walking straighforward, even if it's all up hill! The steepest section is up some steps climbing out 
of Timbersbrook, with easier walking once you reach the National Trust area of The Cloud itself. Again, Monty had a great time, as did we all walking up alongside the trees with (presumably) a drop and a view to our left. There are some rocks near the summit that were good for a bit of clambering over, and then a nice walk back down through the treees. The wood was great in the mist - very eerie, with echoes that you wouldn't normally expect to hear.
of Timbersbrook, with easier walking once you reach the National Trust area of The Cloud itself. Again, Monty had a great time, as did we all walking up alongside the trees with (presumably) a drop and a view to our left. There are some rocks near the summit that were good for a bit of clambering over, and then a nice walk back down through the treees. The wood was great in the mist - very eerie, with echoes that you wouldn't normally expect to hear. Despite the mist and lack of views, we had a great time as a family. 
I asked Bethan for a quote about today. She says "A very nice walk at The Cloud, but a bit muddy! I liked eating the Minstrels at the top! Yummy!"
I asked Bethan for a quote about today. She says "A very nice walk at The Cloud, but a bit muddy! I liked eating the Minstrels at the top! Yummy!" We'd taken some snacks with us, but once back at the car we set off to find a pub for a late lunch. We ended up at the Cat and Fiddle (2nd time for me this week!) and enjoyed a good mid-afternon lunch before driving home.
So, that's 8 hills down, and I've enjoyed every one so far. The exercise, the company, the great outdoors have all been good. I feel like I'm getting back on track with the challenge, and looking forward to a few more hills over the next few weeks, with Mam Tor, Shuttlingsloe and 'Ringing Roger' all being considered! I'm planning to post more photos on my facebook page, and maybe some on Flickr.
See you after the next hill!
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