Staffordshire Seven Summits Walk 2 - Mow Cop

Coriarna Morris

Summit 2. Mow Cop: A Castle, a Canal, and a Frosty Lesson in Planning

Mow Cop was the second summit in our Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits series, and it delivered a memorable mix of breathtaking views, biting wind, and valuable lessons—even before the main walk began.

The Recce: A Frosty Preview

A few days before the official group walk, I headed out for a recce to scout the route. From the moment we stepped out of the car at the base of the village, we were hit by an icy blast of wind that felt more Alpine than Staffordshire. It was that sharp, freezing air that instantly wakes you up—like stepping onto a ski slope. Every hedge, field, and rooftop was dusted with frost, giving the whole landscape a magical, sugar-coated look.

The highlight of the recce, though, wasn’t just the scenery—it was the kindness of a local member who offered to show us around. She guided us through the best paths and hidden turns, giving us not just a route, but a deeper sense of place. With her help, we climbed to the iconic Mow Cop Castle, standing proud and windswept on the hilltop, before looping back down towards the canal for a scenic finish.

But as beautiful as the route was, it became clear the full version was going to be too long for our group walk. With a larger crowd expected, and winter conditions underfoot, we needed something a little more manageable.

The Walk: Cold Air, Warm Spirits

So, come Monday, we returned—this time with a refined, shorter route that kept all the best bits: the panoramic views, the characterful paths, and, of course, the castle. The group took it all in stride, with muddy boots crunching over frozen ground and cheeks flushed from the cold. And yet, despite the chill, the atmosphere was anything but frosty.

That’s the beauty of walks like these. It’s not just about getting to the top—it’s about the people you get there with, the unexpected help along the way, and the little moments that make the effort worthwhile. Mow Cop reminded us that even in winter’s grip, the warmth of community and a little local knowledge can turn a cold day into something unforgettable.

Summit two: conquered, with frost on our faces and smiles all around. Fancy taking on Mow Cop yourself follow our route on Komoot.

Staffordshire Seven Summits Walk 1 - Camp Hill

Coriarna Morris

Summit One Blazing a Trail: Kicking Off the Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits at Camp Hill

Our very first Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits walk, was Camp Hill, the gentlest of the seven and set

the tone for an unforgettable adventure.

We kicked things off in the heart of South Staffordshire with around 20 eager walkers and a lively pack of dogs, all ready to take on the trail. The weather couldn’t have been better—warm, golden sunshine followed us all the way, an unexpected treat for the time of year.

When we later stopped at a local pub, the staff told us we were the first group to sit outside that year. It felt

like we’d officially ushered in spring.

The route began with a slightly nerve-racking stretch along a busy road. It wasn’t ideal, but thanks to careful

traffic management and a focused group effort walking in tight formation and staying alert—we got

through it safely. Soon after, we transitioned to a peaceful footpath that carried us through open fields and beautiful countryside, and the stress of that first road section quickly faded.

Having scouted the trail a few days before, I knew it would be muddy—and I wasn’t wrong. Wellies were an absolute must, and those who wore them were grateful more than once. But the mud only added to the charm, and the laughter it brought made the journey even more memorable.

This walk wasn’t just about reaching a summit. It was about connection—laughing together, cheering each other on, watching the dogs dash through the open fields, and ending with a well-earned pint in the sunshine. It felt like the start of something truly special.

The Camphill Experience

Camphill might be the smallest of the Seven Summits, but it offered the perfect starting point for the series. The trail itself was simple—easy to navigate with no steep climbs—making for a relaxed and sociable walk.

When we reached the trig point, we found it in a surprisingly modest spot, surrounded by trees and just a

stone’s throw from an electricity station. Not exactly the dramatic vista we’d imagined.

But then came the moment that made it all worthwhile. As we moved past the tree line, the view suddenly opened up. We were met with a sweeping panorama that stopped us in our tracks. We could see across the Wrekin and out towards the Shropshire Hills—an awe-inspiring sight and a powerful reminder of why we do this.

After soaking up the view and snapping our summit selfies, we headed back down the hill and gathered at the Swan with Two Necks pub. Some of us toasted the walk with a pint, others tucked into well deserved food, but all of us shared that quiet sense of accomplishment that comes from completing something meaningful—together.

Camp hill may not be the highest or toughest peak in the Seven Summits, but it was the perfect prologue to our journey: accessible, beautiful, and just challenging enough to leave us hungry for more.

One summit down. Six more adventures to go.

Fancy giving Camp Hill a go yourself, follow our route on Komoot here or join our Staffordshire group as they take on Camp Hill again!

The Staffordshire Seven Summits Series

By Coriarna Morris

Blazing a Trail: Reflections on the Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits Series

In February 2025, I launched the Staffordshire Seven Summits Series to introduce families to the joy of hiking by exploring some of Staffordshire’s highest hills. I wanted to inspire a love for nature, nurture confidence, and create lasting memories for families, encouraging people to spend more time outdoors, develop resilience, and experience the beauty of their local landscapes. That was the spirit behind the Staffordshire Blaze Trails Seven Summits Series, and now that we’ve completed all seven, it’s safe to say: what an adventure it was.

What began as a simple idea—to bring people together to explore some of

Staffordshire’s most beautiful high points—turned into something far more special.

Over several weeks, a growing group of walkers (and a few energetic dogs) tackled each

summit with enthusiasm, laughter, and a real sense of community. Some of us did all

seven; others dipped in for a few. But every summit brought its own magic.

Here’s a look back at the seven hills that shaped our journey:

1. Camp Hill

We started with Camp Hill in South Staffordshire—a gentle, welcoming climb that set the tone for the series. With sunshine on our backs and around 20 walkers in tow, it felt like the perfect way to ease into things. The route offered open fields, a bit of mud, and a sunny pub garden finish—where we were told we were the first group to sit outside that year.

A good omen, perhaps.

Read the full Camp Hill blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

2. Mow Cop

Next came Mow Cop—a striking hill crowned with its iconic folly. Perched on the edge of Staffordshire and Cheshire, the climb gave us sweeping views and a taste of the more dramatic terrain ahead. The wind was bracing, but the summit smiles were big. It felt like we were starting to hit our stride.

 Read the full Mow Cop blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

3. Bunster Hill

Bunster Hill, near Ilam, brought a sense of peace. The route wound through some of the

most postcard-perfect countryside of the series, with rolling hills, stone walls, and curious sheep. The climb was difficult due to the weather- however the second time round made it more accessible.

  Read the full Bunster Hill blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

4. The Cloud

The Cloud offered a new kind of energy—woodland paths, steeper ascents, and a dramatic reveal at the top. With panoramic views stretching across Cheshire,

Staffordshire and beyond, this summit gave us one of the most rewarding vistas of the series. And for those who hadn’t climbed it before, it was a real highlight.

  Read the full The Cloud blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

5. Ecton Hill

Ecton Hill took us off the beaten path. With its mining history and rugged landscape, it felt like a walk through time. The weather held, the terrain challenged us a bit more, and the summit gave us a unique view across Staffordshire’s wilder side. It was a lesser-

known gem, and we were glad to share it.

  Read the full Ecton Hill blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our Komoot Route here

6. Gun Hill

Gun Hill was short but sweet. A quieter walk, tucked away between Leek and The Roaches, it offered a peaceful escape and expansive views. It felt like a moment to breathe before our final, most dramatic summit.

  Read the full Gun Hill blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

7. The Roaches

We finished big— with The Roaches. This iconic ridge delivered everything we could’ve hoped for: rocky paths, steep climbs, and breathtaking views. Some of us had

climbed it before, but for many, it was their first time. When we finally reached the trig point, we took our time at the top, soaking it all in, taking photos, and quietly celebrating the end of our journey. Seven summits, countless memories.

  Read the full The Roaches blog or fancy giving the walk a go yourself follow our route on Komoot

What We Took Away

Looking back, the Seven Summits Series became more than just a walking challenge. It

brought people together. It gave us reasons to explore places we might not have visited

otherwise. It reminded us that Staffordshire’s countryside is full of surprises—and that

sometimes, the best views come after a bit of mud and effort.

Whether you joined us for one summit or all seven, thank you for being part of it. The

laughs, the stories, the shared sandwiches and pints—it all added up to something we

won’t forget.

Here’s to more trails, more hills, and more moments that remind us just how good it

feels to walk side by side, up and over the next horizon.

Seven summits down. And who knows? Maybe more to come.

Little Legs, Big Adventures: Seven Summits with Blaze Trails High Peak

When you think of conquering summits, you might imagine hardened mountaineers with ropes, maps, and a flask of strong tea. But sometimes, the most inspiring climbers are those with the littlest legs. This summer, a group of adventurous little legs set out with their families and Blaze Trails High Peak to take on not one, not two, but seven local summits covering over 30km and 1250 meters of ascent (and that’s not including all the running back and forth they did!).

What followed was a joyful mix of muddy boots, snack breaks, and cheers from proud parents as our tiny walkers proved just how far determination (and a good pocketful of smarties) can carry you.

The Seven Summits

1. Corbar Hill

The journey began on Corbar Hill, Buxton’s green crown. The little climbers wove their way up the woodland paths, stopping to explore the magic door in the woods and play in dens. A short and exciting scramble later they were at the top, a race to touch the trig followed by the all important ‘Trignic’ and that was it their first summit ticked off.

2. Mam Tor

Next came the iconic Mam Tor! With its sweeping ridge path can it feel dramatic even for grown-ups, but our adventourous little legs embraced the climb. The wind whipped and of course the rain came down just in time for our summit picture, but once we started moving again thankfully the sun came back out! We made our way down to Hollins Cross before looping back around through the woods picking blackberries and onto the Broken Road! There were many, many, many snack stops on the route and the 5km route at times felt more like 50km! But we all made it back and our second summit was in the bag!

3. Lantern Pike

The third challenge was Lantern Pike, a smaller but still steep climb. Along the way, there were pauses for “fueling up” with yet more foraged blackberries and we were treated to beautiful Peak District views across to Kinder Scout. Reaching the top brought a sense of achievement after a tricky final climb for the little legs but after a quick refuel and our summit picture we were on the way back down and the junior fell racing began! Once back down we finished the walk with some well earned treats from The Sett Valley cafe!

4. White Nancy

Perhaps the most eye-catching of the seven, White Nancy stood proud and whitewashed, like something from a storybook. The walk up had lots to explore from dens found in the woods to trees to climb and of yet more blackberries to be found. When they reached the summit the view opened across Cheshire, we spent time looking at the compass on the floor and saying hello the a friendly horse before setting off along the ridge in search of the Trig. Unfortunately we didn’t make it up to the trig as the weather was so hot and there was very little shade we decided to drop down through the trees to find a nice shady spot for our well earned picnic lunch before finding our way back to the start point.

5. The Cloud

The Cloud offered woodland trails that felt like stepping into an adventure tale. Little legs scrambled over roots and leapt across puddles. At the top, a wide panorama spread over the Cheshire Plain, and you’ve guessed it ‘Trignic’ Time! After a few taps of the trusty trig point we headed back down past the farm and through the woods to the start, summits number 5 completed!

6. Hen Cloud

The rocky face of Hen Cloud was the trickiest test yet, but Blaze Trails families know how to spend a bank holiday Monday! The children took on the ascent with steady steps, clambering up through the woods with determination and finding their own little routes. At the summit, they enjoyed a well-earned break, and we broke out the snacks for a refuel whilst gazing across the Roaches and racing monster trucks across the ground. After lunch it was time to descend, the dry path was tricky and there were more than a few tumbles but nothing phased them and we were soon down in a beautiful clearing climbing trees and enjoying the shade.

7. Shutlingsloe

Finally, the “Matterhorn of Cheshire” – Shutlingsloe. We set off from Langley and made our way up and along toward the summit, we found bugs and had great fun dodging the bog before reaching the flag stone path that lead to the final summit. Its steep slopes required patience and encouragement, but the little legs never gave in despite the wind and rain. With parents cheering them on, they made it to the top, proudly standing on the trig point, conquerors of their seventh summit and rewarded with cake!

More Than Just a Walk, these climbs weren’t about distance or speed. They were about discovery – of nature, of community, and of what young children can achieve when given the chance. With Blaze Trails leading the way, families showed that walking together is about connection, not competition.

The seven summits proved that little legs can go a long way but what matters most is the joy of the journey: the muddy hands, the shared snacks, the songs sung on the path, and the proud faces at the top.

Blaze Trails’ mission is to make outdoor adventures accessible for all families, and these tiny summiteers have shown us that the love of walking can start earlier than you think.

Here’s to many more hills, trails, ‘trignics’ and blackberries along the way.

You can find all of our routes on Komoot let us know which one is your favourite!