🥾 Trail guide · England – Peak District
The Roaches and Lud’s church walk in the Peak District
By Eni- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 460 m
- Time
- 3–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route
- Out and back
- Best season
- All year (best April–October)
👶 With kids: Suitable for families: the ridge is fairly flat but rocky, and an all-terrain pushchair might cope there, but the steep, slippery steps into muddy Lud's Church need a carrier. Keep children away from the edge on the ridge; for a shorter outing, the 5 km circular from Gradbach reaches Lud's Church.
✅ Updated and fact-checked on 5 November 2026. Prices, timetables and rules can change, so check the official sources before you go.
When we arrived at Lud’s Church it felt like we just stepped inside a fairy tale. Walking through the gorge with its narrow sides covered in moss was a really special experience. I loved the mythical atmosphere and enjoyed exploring this place on my car camping birthday trip. It was actually Tom’s idea to visit this place, as there are so many great photo opportunities here. A Lud’s Church photography trip is a dream for many content creators. This place is so unique. You won’t find anything similar in the Peak District, so definitely worth a visit, if you are in the area.
We arrived early in the morning at the national park as we wanted to do the Roaches and Lud’s Church walk, which we knew can get quite busy at the weekends. There are several routes to Lud’s Church, but we decided on this one, as the Roaches walk also really appealed to us and we wanted to combine the two. In addition, the Roaches car park seemed like a good starting point with plenty of space and the well-liked Roaches tea room was nearby for refreshments after our hike.
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Guide book suggestions for the area
I love the Wild Guide books and have the whole collection. This one focuses on hidden gems, wild swimming spots, cute cafes and unique accommodation in Central England.
This is another favourite book. If you are into photography then it’s an absolute must. Gives great suggestions about compositions and best time to visit during the day/year.
About the Roaches
The Roaches is an iconic Peak District destination, which forms a gritstone escarpment along with Ramshaw Rocks and Hen Cloud. The rocky ridge reaches 505 m and offers stunning views of the nearby Tittesworth Reservoir. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Snowdon! The name ‘Roaches’ comes from the French word ‘roches’, meaning ‘rocks’. It is a very fitting name for this place, as it is full of unusual rocks and crags. No wonder the place is so popular among climbers and boulders as well.
About Lud's Church
Despite the name, Lud’s Church is actually a deep chasm in the Dark Peaks. The place was probably named after Walter de Ludank or Walter de Lud-Auk. He was a church reformer, who used the place as a secret place of worship. According to the legend he was captured here at one of their meetings.
Lud’s church history is very fascinating. It has several stories associated with it. Some say it was once a hideout spot for Robin Hood. Another myth claims, that the place was created by the devil!
Lud’s Church stretches only for 100 m, but you can easily spend an hour exploring it! The moss-covered walls reach up to 18 m on each side. I also found some hidden sections, that were so narrow that I could barely squeeze through. A fantastic place to discover.
How to get there
There is a car park at each end of this walk.
The Roaches Car Park
The Roaches UKC Parking: There is designated FREE roadside parking along Roach Road. There is quite a lot of space here, but it is a popular spot, so you need to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Do not park on the grass verges. This place is regularly monitored and people who park at inconsiderate places will end up with a ticket! It is an ideal place to park for climbers as well, as it is so close to the rocks. There is often an ice cream van parked here for refreshments.
The Roaches Tea Room field: They often open up the field for parking. You will have to enquire before you park, that it is ok to do so if you are not a tea room customer. They are normally ok with it, but you will have to pay a parking fee.
Ramshaw Rocks layby: A less known parking spot, so you might have more luck securing a spot here despite only having space for about 8 cars. Parking here is free. Access to the Roaches is through farmland via dedicated paths.
Lud’s Church Car Park
Gradbach Car Park: Only a short walk away from Lud’s church. It is a FREE car park, but quite small and it tends to fill up quickly, so arrive early. Parking can be an issue during busy periods. Some local residents saw a business opportunity and they rent their drive out on their farm. They charge £10 for the day.
Public Transport
Train: The nearest train station is in Buxton, but it is 10 miles away so you will either have to take a taxi or bus from there. Bus 16 and 108 take you to Old Buxton Road, which is a 20-minute walk from the trailhead.
Bus: You can take bus 108 or 16 from Leek, Buxton or Stoke on Trent. Get off at Old Buxton Road. Then it is a 20-minute walk to get to the trailhead for the Roaches.
By Bike
You can’t cycle on the Roaches or at Lud’s Church, but the Peak District MTB has several alternative routes for the area.
The Roaches and Lud's Church Walk
Route
There was still lots of space at the Roaches parking when we arrived at 8:30 am on a Saturday. A sign directed us in the right direction at the trailhead and we set off. The start of the walk was very interesting.
The Roaches climbing area
The path leads through the iconic Roaches gritstone rocks. This area is one of the best gritstone crags in the country. No wonder it is such a popular place for climbers and boulders. We saw many of them on our way back. There were even families with young children trying out some of the easier sections. There are several routes up to 30m long at all grades.
The Roaches edge
We soon turned right and entered a little woodland. We ascended the steps to the ridge of the Roaches. It was a warm, dry day, but quite hazy, so visibility wasn’t the best. But the scenery still impressed us a lot. We could see Hen Cloud and Tittesworth Reservoir, which would both make a good destination if you wanted to extend your hike. There were lots of interesting rock formations all along the edge. They all have different shapes, some of them were quite strange, which were fun to spot.
Doxey Pool
We stopped at Doxey Pool to have a little picnic. According to legend a mermaid called Jenny Greenteeth lives in the pond and she haunts passersby into the pool. The place definitely has a sinister atmosphere, particularly on a moody day. Looking into the murky water on a quiet day you can see how this legend appeared.
We had the place to ourselves while having breakfast. Luckily we were not lurked into the water by any mermaid and could continue our walk.
Trig point
The Roaches trig point stand at 505 m. It is a good opportunity to stop and admire the views around you. We didn’t spend much time here.
The Roaches to Lud’s Church
The path started to go downhill afterwards and we had to cross a small road. There is often an ice cream van parked here, so you could stop for a little break. The path is quite obvious and there will be a sign which will point you in the right direction when you need to turn right to reach Lud’s Church. The scenery starts to change gradually. You will walk through a forest on boardwalks until you reach the chasm. There are some steep steps, that will lead you down to Lud’s Church.
Lud’s Church Walk
The gorge is only 100 m, but there is a lot to explore and you can easily spend an hour here just discovering the place and taking photos. I loved seeing the trees cling on at the top. There are also many narrow hiding places between the rock walls. The chasm can be quite dark and cold even on a sunny, warm day, so prepare to have an extra layer with you. The whole place can feel quite damp and the ground is often really muddy.
We decided to take the same route back along the ridge to the car, but you could also do the Roaches and Lud’s Church circular walk instead.
Difficulty
Relatively easy. Also suitable for families, just keep a close eye on children when walking along the ridge, so they don’t go too close to the edge.
Duration: This return hike was 13 km with about 460 m elevation gain. It can take 3-5 hours.
Terrain: The ridge itself is relatively flat, but expect a rocky path. You could probably use an all-terrain pushchair. Inside Lud’s Church, it is often muddy and the rocks can be slippery, especially after rainfall. Opt for a child carrier, instead of a pushchair.
The Roaches walk map
The OS Explorer OL 24 map (White Peak Area) covers this section.
The Roaches Weather
You are exposed to the elements along the Roaches. Sometimes it can get windy on the top. Lud’s Church is a chasm so it can feel cold there. Pack extra layers. You can see up to date weather forecast here.
Facilities
The Roaches Tea Room
The Roaches Tea Rooms is a well-liked place by the locals and walkers as well. Friendly staff, affordable prices and a wide range of delicious food on the menu. There is outside seating on the terrace, which overlooks a spectacular scenery. But even from inside you will get a nice view thanks to the huge windows. They also have holiday cottages on site, which can accommodate up to six people.
Toilets
There are toilets in the tea room for customers.
Roaches Camping
You won’t need your wild camping equipment, as there were several signs up reminding people that camping is prohibited in the area. Luckily there are plenty of official campsites near the Roaches.
Hazel Barrow Farm Camping and Holiday Cottage: A lovely remote campsite with clean facilities and friendly owners. You can pitch up a tent or book a room with beds. It is a 10-minute drive from the Roaches trailhead. But you can even walk from the campsite to reach the edge.
Gradbach Scout Camp: Lovely site next to the River Dane. They accommodate mostly scout groups, but also take individual bookings. You can pitch up a tent or book a room in the cottage. The site is very close to Lud’s Church and the Roaches, so makes a great base to explore the area on foot.
Berry Bank Farm: A very basic campsite with on-site toilets and washroom facilities. It has a beautiful location and friendly owners. They take booking for tents and campervans. They have a huge field, so plenty of privacy for all. Gradbach Car Park is only a 10-minute drive away.
Blackshaw Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite: A modern site with nice facilities, like a playground for the kids. They have electric hookups available for tents, motorhomes and campervans. 6-minutes drive from the Roaches car park.
Camping at The Hollies: A basic Roaches campsite with a field that has plenty of space to pitch. Clean toilets and nice owners. A 10-minute drive from the Roaches car park.
Other Peak District Hikes
The Trinnacle: An 8 km circular walk with 380 m elevation gain.
Stanage Edge Walk: An easy walk from Hooks Carr Car Park.
Padley Gorge Walk: Lovely place for a walk, picnic or paddle. Lots of nice little waterfalls.
Lud's Church walk from Gradbach
If you only want to see the chasm, the shortest Lud's Church walk starts at Gradbach, on the northern edge of the Roaches estate.
- Distance and time: about 5.25 km (3¼ miles) circular with about 150 m (500 ft) of ascent. Allow 2 hours at a relaxed pace, plus extra time to explore the chasm.
- Route: from Gradbach car park, follow the lane past Gradbach Mill and continue through fields to the footbridge over Black Brook. Then climb through the woods of Back Forest to Lud's Church. The entrance is a narrow rocky gap on the right of the path, and it may not be signposted. Go down the steep stone steps into the chasm and leave by the right-hand fork. Return through Forest Wood beside Black Brook. There is a stepping-stone ford, but if the water is high, go back via the footbridge instead.
- Terrain: woodland paths with roots, steep stone steps and deep mud inside the chasm. Wear boots and bring an extra layer, as the chasm stays cold and damp even in summer.
- Tree felling: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has been felling larch in Back Forest because of larch disease. Follow any diversion signs.
Gradbach car park (Lud's Church parking)
- The Gradbach car park is small, with about 20 spaces. The postcode SK17 0SU covers a wide area, so use what3words ///flick.rashers.washable or grid reference SJ 998 662 instead.
- When it's full, an overflow field about 100 m back up the road charges £5 for the day (summer 2025 price, cash or card). Check the signs on arrival, as arrangements can change.
- No public transport goes to Gradbach, and the lanes are narrow. Never park on verges or in passing places.
About Lud's Church: the chasm and its legends
Lud's Church is a landslip chasm more than 100 m long and up to 18 m deep. It formed when a huge slab of gritstone slid towards the River Dane along weak layers of mudstone. Mosses and ferns cover the walls, which is why it feels like another world. Climbing on the walls is discouraged to protect these rare lower plants.
- The Lollards: followers of John Wycliffe are said to have worshipped here in secret in the early 15th century. The name may come from Walter de Ludank, who was reputedly captured at one of their meetings.
- Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: in 1958 the scholar R. W. V. Elliott suggested that Lud's Church was the "Green Chapel" of the 14th-century poem, where Gawain meets the Green Knight. The poem's dialect points to this corner of the north-west Midlands. Other scholars have suggested different sites nearby, such as a cave near Wetton Mill.
- Robin Hood and other outlaws are also linked to the chasm in local folklore.
Parking at the Roaches (2026)
- Roach Road, below the Roaches and Hen Cloud: Staffordshire County Council treats this as a restricted parking area. Park only in the clearly marked, signed bays. Parking attendants patrol regularly and issue penalty notices of £70 (£35 if paid within 14 days). Some cleared verges near the Roaches Tea Rooms look like parking but aren't, so don't rely on them. Always leave room for emergency vehicles.
- Lay-bys near Upper Hulme (Rockhall) are suggested by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust as a starting point for the ridge.
- Ramshaw Rocks lay-by (A53) is small and fills quickly.
- Northern end: start from Gradbach (above) if you want a shorter walk to Lud's Church and back along the ridge.
- On sunny weekends, arrive before 9am. If Roach Road is full, don't squeeze onto the verges; go to another start point instead.
Buses to the Roaches
There's no longer a frequent bus. As of November 2026:
- 108 (Aimee's) Buxton – Leek – Ashbourne stops at Upper Hulme (Old Buxton Road and the Winking Man). It runs Monday to Saturday, but only about two journeys each way a day.
- A53 community bus (Ashbourne Community Transport), Leek – Upper Hulme – Flash – Buxton, runs Sundays only, four times each way.
From the Upper Hulme stops it's about a 20-minute walk to the start of the path at Roach Road. Check the timetables before you travel, as these services change often.
Who looks after the Roaches?
The 395-hectare (975-acre) Roaches estate, including Lud's Church, is a nature reserve managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The Trust took a 125-year lease from the Peak District National Park Authority on 1 May 2013. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation. It is home to curlew, red grouse, tree pipits and peregrines. Entry is free. The Trust has repaired kilometres of paths and walls and re-wetted the peat bog, so please stick to the paths.
- Dogs must be on a lead on the reserve. Livestock graze here, and birds nest on the ground in spring.
- Doxey Pool is fenced off. Look from the path, but don't go in to paddle or picnic.
- Camping is not allowed on the Roaches (there are signs on site). Use one of the campsites listed above.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lud's Church walk?
The short circular Lud's Church walk from Gradbach is about 5.25 km (3¼ miles) and takes around 2 hours. Combining it with the Roaches ridge from Roach Road, as in this post, makes a 13 km return walk of 3–5 hours.
Where do you park for Lud's Church?
The closest parking is the small Gradbach car park (about 20 spaces; what3words ///flick.rashers.washable). When it's full, an overflow field about 100 m up the road charges about £5 a day. Arrive early at weekends, as there is no bus to Gradbach.
Is parking at the Roaches free?
Roach Road is a restricted parking area. Park only in the signed, marked bays, as attendants patrol and issue £70 penalty notices (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days). There are also lay-bys near Upper Hulme and at Ramshaw Rocks. Check the signs on the day.
Is Lud's Church the Green Chapel from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
It's a popular theory. In 1958 the scholar R. W. V. Elliott proposed Lud's Church as the Green Chapel, partly because the poem's dialect comes from this area. Other scholars have suggested different local sites, so it remains a legend rather than a proven fact.
Can you take dogs to Lud's Church and the Roaches?
Yes, but Staffordshire Wildlife Trust asks you to keep dogs on a lead across the reserve, because of grazing livestock and ground-nesting birds. The steps into Lud's Church are steep and slippery, and Doxey Pool is fenced off, so don't let dogs in the water.
Can you get to the Roaches by bus?
Only just. The 108 from Leek or Buxton stops at Upper Hulme about twice a day, Monday to Saturday. A community bus runs four times each way on Sundays. From Upper Hulme it's about a 20-minute walk to the start of the path.
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