The Roaches are a gritstone edge on the west of the Peak District, just above Leek. The crags here broken up in places giving some spectacular shapes. This route walks along the edge and also takes in Luds Church, one of the spectacular sites of the Peak District and, Hen Cloud at the south of The Roaches which is a fine triangular hill with great views.

Leek

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From the parking the first stage is to walk along the road to Roach End (2km). The road is not very busy and has great views over to the south west as well as The Roaches themselves. In particular, the view of the Five Clouds that are below the edge itself is impressive. Once at Roach End, Luds Church can be reached by following the signposted path through the forest, but this is a very muddy way. Better to walk along the ridge to reach the path at the wall that descends to the right to reach the Luds Church path. Once at the path follow the boardwalk to get to Luds Church. Walk carefully down the steps and then through Luds Church itself. Luds Church is a chasm in the rock which has led a 3m split with huge vertical sides covered in moss. One of the spectacular features of the Peak District. (4.0kms. 100m. 1hrs. 30min.)

Retrace your steps back up through Luds Church and the path to reach the ridge. It is a nice diversion to go right (north) to climb to the obvious crags at the high point on the north of this ridge. Now turn south and walk down the ridge to reach Roach End. Cross the road and climb the hillside to reach the top of The Roaches. The rocks on the top of this edge make some interesting shapes. From here continue along the top of the edge to reach the trig point. (2.5kms. 400m. 1hrs. 40min.)

From the trig point walk along the path near to the edge of the crags. This path undulates but always with good views to Ramshaw Rocks in the east. Towards the south end the actual cliffs are high so remember to take care near to the edge. You may be lucky to see some climbers on these popular cliffs. At the end descend with care to the bottom of these crags, the path is steep and rocks. Continue on and onto the wall. Go through the wall by the gate and then the next wall, to reach the climb up Hen Cloud. This is a spectacular hill, triangular in shape. Climb to the top and take in the views over to the south west. Now turn around, descend Hen Cloud to the wall and turn left to reach the road at the car. (3.5kms. 80m. 1hrs. 10min.)

6th June 2024 This is a very busy area and this walk works best if it is not busy, as today. Luds Church is one of the spectacular features of the Peak District. Followed the path through the forest which was an error as it was so muddy underfoot. The rocks along the top of The Roaches make strange shapes, much different to those of the eastern Peak District. A great walk in, for me, a new area of the Peak District. Good to explore these different areas.