A classic Peak District experience that shouldn't be missed. The views are stunning and the place full of mystery and intrigue.
Distance: 11 miles/17.5km
Total Ascent: 2176ft/663metres
Level: Moderate
Time: 8:45 - 15:30
Start/Finish: Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant, Paddock Farm, Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands ST13 8TY
Facilities: Toilets and food in café at start and end of walk, be aware of opening times
Ethels: Hen Cloud, Ramshaw Rocks, The Roaches
Available Dates: SOLD OUT
£35.00
What to Expect
This walk is a stunning walk to begin pushing yourself into adventuring the Peak District proper. The views never fail as we explore the popular Roaches and its less explored areas away from the edge. We start with a trip up Hen Cloud and take a visit to the mysterious and otherworldly Lud's Church before walking along the gritstone edge of The Roaches. Staffordshire and Derbyshire have never looked so beautiful.
We start with a short, steep ascent and then descent. The walk is more steady for a couple of miles. We then have a steep wooded edge to walk along in an area which can get boggy and slippy after rain. We then have a gradual ascent before it flattens out. The first half of the walk has less defined paths, the second half, very define. All is uneven and care needs to be taken around streams and pools. On the Roaches itself it can get quite busy with other walkers and climbers, be aware if you have a nervous dog. We do have to cross a couple of country lanes and for a few meters be next to a busy road. There are several stiles and a few squeeze stiles.