The Roaches Walk and Lud’s Church Route Guide

Route Description for The Roaches Walk and Lud’s Church

The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular Walk Guide
The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular is one of the most atmospheric walks in the Peak District, combining a dramatic gritstone ridge with a moss-covered woodland chasm. This varied route takes you along the rugged spine of The Roaches before descending through Gradbach Wood to explore Lud’s Church, then looping back to Roach End.

The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular begins at the saddle between Hen Cloud and The Roaches. Walk to the start point from the suggested parking spot (beneath Rock Hall Cottage) and cross the fence at the signposted stile. Continue in the direction of Hen Cloud and follow the wall uphill, keeping it on your right.

At a gate in this wall turn left and follow the trod across the field to another gate. Continue through this gate and onto a rocky track where you will begin a short uphill climb. Look out for nesting Peregrine Falcons on top of the crags, particularly in spring.

At the crest of the climb, you will come to a set of stone gateposts. Pass through them and continue right along a well-defined track with rock faces to your right and woodland below on your left. From here, The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular offers sweeping views over Tittesworth Reservoir and towards Hen Cloud.

Your path will eventually veer left and continue uphill through a gap in a section of boulders. Once through the gap, turn left and follow the ridge to Doxey Pool. It is best to take the left path around Doxey Pool and continue onwards to the short stone trig point pillar (505 m) before descending to Roach End.

At Roach End, cross the minor road following the signpost to Lud’s Church and Danebridge. Go through a gap in the wall and over a stile, keeping to the right-hand fork of the path.

After around a kilometre (with a wall on your left for much of the way), you will reach a crossroad. Continue straight ahead up onto a rocky outcrop and follow signs to Gradbach. This section of The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular contours right before entering Gradbach Wood, where the path can become muddy after heavy rain.

The woodland path leads directly to Lud’s Church, an impressive natural cleft in the bedrock reaching approximately 15 m in height and stretching deep into the hillside.

After exploring Lud’s Church, return to the main Gradbach Wood path and follow it west toward Roach End. This undulating track runs parallel to, but well above, Black Brook. Eventually, you will climb out of the woodland and emerge at Roach End.

From Roach End, The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular finishes with an easy descent along the tarmac road back to your starting point, with Tittesworth Reservoir in clear view ahead.

Highlights of The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular

The Roaches Ridge

The Roaches is an iconic Peak District ridge rising to 505 m, marked by sculpted gritstone tors and wide moorland views. Walking this section of The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular feels dramatic and exposed, especially on clear days when views stretch across Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Doxey Pool, located near the ridge top, is steeped in local folklore. According to legend, the pool is home to Jenny Greenteeth, a mythical water spirit said to lure unsuspecting travellers.

Lud’s Church

Lud’s Church provides a striking contrast to the open ridge. This narrow, moss-covered chasm rises up to 18 m high and extends for around 100 m through the woodland. The enclosed, shaded environment creates a cool and atmospheric stop along The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular.

The site is associated with religious dissenters in the 15th century and local legends involving Robin Hood and medieval outlaws. Whether drawn by history or geology, Lud’s Church is one of the most memorable features of this route.

Hen Cloud (Optional Extension)

If you wish to extend The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, a short detour up Hen Cloud offers additional elevation and panoramic views. The Bawdstone, a large perched boulder near the summit, is another curious feature worth seeking out.

Planning Your Walk

Parking for The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular

Parking is commonly available near Roach End or beneath Rock Hall Cottage. Spaces can fill quickly at weekends and during summer, so arriving early is advisable.

Best Time to Walk

The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn often provide clearer air and fewer crowds, while winter conditions may bring ice to exposed ridge sections. After heavy rain, woodland paths near Lud’s Church can be muddy.

Is The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular Suitable for Families?

This circular route is moderately challenging due to uneven rocky terrain and muddy woodland paths. Older children with hiking experience should manage well, but care is required on exposed ridge sections.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are permitted on The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, but they should be kept under control, particularly around livestock and during ground-nesting bird season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular?

The circular typically covers around 10 km (approximately 6 miles), depending on optional detours such as Hen Cloud.

Is The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular well signposted?

Many sections follow clear paths and fingerposts, though carrying a map or GPS is recommended due to multiple junctions across the moor and woodland.

How difficult is The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular?

The route is considered moderate. While elevation gain is manageable, rocky terrain and muddy woodland paths require good footwear and steady footing.

What’s New at The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular in 2026

There are no major changes to access or route details for 2026. The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular remains fully accessible within the Peak District National Park, subject to normal countryside conditions. Visitors should continue to check for temporary parking restrictions and seasonal path advisories.

If you are interested in exploring more of the region, consider our self-guided walking holidays in England for multi-day trips through the Peak District and beyond.