Lud’s Church & The Roaches
Guided Walking in the Peak District
A contrasting and unique walk on the Peak District’s Western Edge
Maximum group size - 8 people
We start off along a quiet country lane and soon reach lovely oak woods and a visit to Lud’s Church, an amazing 15m deep green chasm in the ground, covered in moss and ferns. Lud’s Church is widely accepted as being the setting of The Green Chapel in the 14th century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, now a new blockbuster movie. Lud’s Church was also a secret location of worship frequented by the Lollards around the same time.
From Lud’s Church we continue through the woods and up over the open moors to Roach End.
After reaching Roach End we follow a well made path along the spine of The Roaches, a popular hiking and climbing area which provides great views across Cheshire and Staffordshire. After passing the high point of the day, a trig point at 505m, we gradually head down the ridge, an area currently undergoing extensive work by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to help protect and regenerate this important peat moorland habitat.
Finally we head back over The Roaches and continue along a lower scenic ridge to the Hanging Stone (pictured). After taking in the view here we head back to Gradbach.
Walk Details
Meet: Gradbach car park at 08:45 for to start at 09:00
Grade: Fairly Strenuous
Length: 15.5km/10miles
Height Gain: 600m/2000ft
Please use this Google maps link as the post code takes you to a farm.
Price: £49
Terrain
The walk is mostly on a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths and some walking on rough ground away from paths. There is a long gradual climb up hill and a shorter climb later on. At any time of year there are likely to be some muddy sections. You should ideally have some experience of hill walking in rough terrain. Walking boots providing good ankle protection and a tough grippy sole are recommended rather than lower cut walking shoes and they will help to keep your feet dry in any muddy areas.
Recommended Equipment & Clothing
Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans as they can be cold if wet).
Waterproof jacket.
Waterproof trousers.
Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).
Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy/muddy areas). No Trainers.
Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.
Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.
Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication).
Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.
Money for parking and/or cafe
Hand sanitiser and face covering recommended A face mask/covering does not need to be worn, however whilst virus levels remain high it would be recommended in emergency situations to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when entering busy cafes and toilet areas.
Optional additions: camera, gaiters and/or walking poles if you have them.