Mow Cop (so where is it?)

Mow Cop is a uniquely positioned village.  Firstly it is to the North of Stoke-on-Trent; 
in fact it is the northern point of the Staffordshire coal seam triangle.  
It is also the start of the Pennine Way, with half its banks in Cheshire and the other part in Staffordshire.  
The Cheshire plain lies scrawling under its dominant skyline, with Biddulph Moor to its rear. 
From Mow Cop you can not only see Staffordshire and Cheshire, but also Shropshire, Derbyshire, 
and the southern parts of Lancashire and on a very clear day Denbighshire & Flintshire.
Its name is derived from the Anglo Saxon "Moela Coppa" meaning bald hill, this is a good 
reference to its pre mining and quarrying history, when all it was, was a millstone grit dome peaking
out of the trees.  Eventually it became Mole Cop then of course Mow Cop. 

So how do we get there?

The easiest way to direct is from the M6 motorway.
Leave the M6 at Junction 17 and follow the road to Congleton.
As you come into the town you will see a large school on the left.
Turn right at the traffic lights and follow Padgbury Lane to the end.
This then brings you onto the A34 (Roman Road).  Turn right.
Approx. 1 mile down the road is the village of Astbury with a magnificent Anglican Church 
called St.Mary's, this has been dated back to Norman England. You must turn left and drive past
thje church.  As you come out of the village the road forks, turn right.  You then follow 
that road as it twists and turns, and then climbs and climbs. 
The views along the top road a breathtaking on a clear day, and horrific in the bad weather. 

The first of the layby car parks has a direction 
marker that was placed there by Biddulph Rotary club. 
This will point out all landmarks and show the direction 
of the seven counties mentioned earlier.
You will then come to the first of Mow Cop's Pubs, 
called "The Mow Cop Inn". 
A good place for a walk to start.  
Or venture another 500 yards to the Ash Inn.  
Both have excellent parking, however the Ash Inn 
caters for children better. 

Enjoy your walk or drive around Mow Cop