Pictures of Mow Cop

About Mow Cop

The sheer scale of the height of this village with the quaint sounding name has made it famous, for it is believed that on a clear day the hill is visible to no less than five counties.

Mow Cop is perhaps best known for the sham castle built there by Randle Wilbraham in 1750. There are conflicting opinions on this attractive ruin, some say it was already built in its ruinous style, others that it was formerly a summerhouse for the Wilbraham family. Whatever the truth, it is a hard climb to get too see the building, but once there it is worth for the spectacular views and the feeling of being almost on top of the world.

Historically it is believed Mow Cop was an important in the reign of Elizabeth I, it could quite easily have been used as a beacon to warn of the Spanish invasion.

Religion has played an important part in the life of the community, here in the 19th century Hugh Bourne preached on the hill, rallying the people to join the Primitive Methodism Movement.

There are many old buildings and peculiarities in these lonely high upland regions, one of these is the strange rock formation known as The Old Man of Mow. He sits in a dream-like setting surrounded by rocks and gorse, giving the appearance of a man seated in a comfortable armchair.

At a road junction you will find the village's Victorian church. This was built in 1842 at a cost of £1400, the following year both a Methodist Memorial Chapel and a Wesleyan Chapel were built.

There is a beautiful village green, pretty in summer, quite beautiful in autumn when some of the trees shed leaves tinged with red and gold, and dazzling, when in the Christmas season a lovely tree is planted and lit with hundreds of fairy lights.

In the village you will find a few shops and many pleasant properties. The Cheshire view pub is a must for the views and a pint. This lovely old stone building is over 200 years old, and retains charm and character. It was formerly known as the Railway Inn. From this high vantage point visitors can enjoy panoramic views across a swirl of countryside. Little Moreton Hall is visible as you look towards Congleton.