We are the East Staffordshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in the East Staffordshire area to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
A great walk taking in the 505 metres high Roaches ridge with spectacular views in all directions. Then on to Lud's Church, an atmospheric and deep moss-covered chasm full of history, myths and dark green wherever you look. Our route descends to the beautiful and wild Black Brook valley before turning south on a track between the Roaches and Hen Cloud leading back to our start point.
In the early 1400s Lud's Church chasm is said to have been used as a secret place of worship for Lollards, reforming Christians who were opposed to many practices of the Roman Catholic church and who were persecuted for their beliefs. Lud’s Church is also one of the most likely contenders for the location of the Green Chapel, a key setting in the medieval poem and well known Arthurian story, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Over the centuries it has also been associated with tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, possibly as a place of refuge and hiding from his enemies.
Lay By on Roach Road between the Roaches and Hen Cloud.
