Coriarna Morris
Summit Four Seven Summits Series: The Cloud – Stepping Up to New Heights.
This week’s summit took us to The Cloud, a stunning peak near Macclesfield that more than lived up to its name—rising above the landscape and offering one of the most rewarding climbs in the Seven Summits Series so far.
Whether it was the panoramic views, the historical landscape, or just the sense of achievement, The Cloud gave us everything we could’ve asked for and maybe a bit more.
Where History and Hills Collide
The Cloud stands at 1,000 feet (305m), perched on the edge of the Cheshire Plain. Once part of the ancient Macclesfield Forest, this hill has long drawn walkers, nature lovers, and those chasing a bit of solitude above the towns below. From the summit, you can see far across the countryside—to Macclesfield, Congleton, and even catch a glimpse of Jodrell Bank in the distance. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop mid-step just to soak it all in.
The Climb from Timberbrook
We began our ascent from Timberbrook Car Park—a modest but handy starting point, especially with its free parking (just don’t expect facilities). The trail kicks off with no warm-up: it’s straight into an uphill grind that sets the tone early on.
The path winds through a series of inclines and steps—lots of them. But while the steps challenge your legs, they also make the route feel purposeful and rewarding. The occasional level stretches give your lungs a break, but The Cloud doesn’t let you coast for long. It keeps you climbing, one breath at a time.
360° of Wow at the Summit
The payoff at the top? Breathtaking.
We were lucky to have clear skies, which meant uninterrupted views in every direction. The Cheshire countryside opened out below us like a painting, with Macclesfield spread out in one direction and the hills rippling off toward the horizon in another. Of course, we made the most of the summit trig point lining up for both group shots and solo celebrations. It’s become a bit of a tradition now: capturing the joy of reaching another peak together, muddy boots and all.
The Descent, a Dash, and a Downpour
The descent was where things got a little tricky. The same steps that had guided us up became a challenge going down—awkward and uneven in places. Add in tired legs and a couple of toddlers in carriers, and it turned into a slow and careful shuffle.
We were craving a café break by the time we got back to the car park—but The Cloud doesn’t offer those kinds of luxuries. It’s wild, remote, and refreshingly unpolished.
Then, just as we were loading into cars and sharing our final laughs, the sky opened. Out of nowhere, rain poured in sheets—a reminder that nature always has the last word. Thankfully, we’d finished the hike just in time to avoid a soaking on the trail.
A Summit That Stays With You
The Cloud has definitely earned its place as a highlight in our Seven Summits Series. It was challenging, beautiful, and packed with history—but more than that, it was a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come.
Four weeks in, our group is stronger, more confident, and full of shared stories. Every summit has taught us something different—and The Cloud reminded us just how quickly the outdoors can shift from serene to wild. But as always, we adapted, laughed through it, and carried on.
Onward to the next peak. Rain or shine, we’re ready.
Fancy summiting The Cloud yourself follow our route on Komoot