The Cloud is one of the most picturesque areas in the SECOS recording region. The three-mile circular walk outlined below can be enjoyed at any time of the year, although the period from the end of February to early June may be the best for birds. Try to pick a calm sunny morning; an early start is recommended as this is a popular walk.
This birding site is best accessed from Congleton. Leave Congleton on the A54 Buxton Road. After one and a half miles, having gone over the canal, turn right into Middle Lane which is also signposted to Timbersbrook and the picnic site. After three-quarters of a mile turn right at a T-junction on to Weathercock Lane. After half a mile turn left into a well-signposted car park and picnic site just before entering the hamlet of Timbersbrook.
Walk from the car park into a grassy open picnic site. This is a good area for common woodland birds and in spring the songs of Chiffchaff and Blackcap fill the air. At the far end climb the steps on to Tunstall Road. Walk right and, after 80 yards, turn left by a telephone and post box. To your left is the ‘Silver Springs Mill’ pool. From late April until early June listen for singing Pied Flycatcher. A pair has bred nearby in recent years. On the left is a private road and, a short distance beyond, a footpath leads off to the left and follows the clough. Walking a short way up this ill-defined footpath increases your chances of further woodland species and also Kingfisher. SECOS rarities recorded along here include Wood Warbler and Redstart.
Return to the road, pass through a gap in the wall and descend down to the mill pool. This is a good area for Grey Wagtail, especially near the weir; keep listening for singing Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler in the spring.
Walk up Tunstall Road and, after 400 yards, turn right into Gosberryhole Lane. A footpath sign reads ‘Mow Cop Trail’ and ‘The Cloud’. There is a good viewpoint 300 yards up this lane: stand by the wooden fence near the standing stones. Ravens have bred nearby and betray their presence with loud deep ‘pruuk-pruuk’ calls.
Green Woodpecker is also seen occasionally in the general area. Carry on up the lane passing ‘Folly Cottage’ on the right. A short distance beyond bear left steeply uphill, passing a National Trust sign. This is a rocky path and care is needed. Keep left after 100 yards at a junction of paths; after another 400 yards go through a gateway and turn sharp left.
