Luds Church and the Roaches

Whether you’re an eager climber, an enthusiastic walker or a keen naturalist, the Roaches offers something for everyone. Its magnificent soaring rock faces and wild, heather-covered hillsides draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, and make it one of Staffordshire’s most photographed landscapes. (https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/nature-reserves/roaches)

Close to the Roaches in Leek and through Staffordshire’s Back Forest, is Lud’s Church. An 18 metre deep chasm created in the Roaches’ gritstone caused by a giant landslip, which over the ages has been covered from top to bottom in vibrant moss. This makes the entire chasm outstanding to walk through, the dampness, the deep green colour has suddenly replaced the bright and expansive landscape of the Roaches, and it almost seems unbelievable. It doesn’t take long to explore the chasm, as it is only 100 metres long, but you could spend forever studying every nook and cranny- each as unique as each other(https://visitpeakdistrict.com/business-directory/luds-church).

This walk will include some steep footpaths with decent ascent and descent gradient, and sometimes close to sheer drops. No technical skill or specialist equipment required. Just decent footwear and keen spirit. Walk is dog friendly ( leash required ).

Early start to avoid crowds and problems with parking. For those who will want more we can also include Hen Cloud at the end. Bring decent footwear and extra waterproofs in case of bad weather. Packed lunch or some snacks and water recommended. There is a cafe near the start point and most likely a van with refreshments along the way. No other facilities enroute. Dogs on lead welcome. Walk will take approx 4-5h.