Roaches & Lud's Church (White Peaks): March 22nd 2026
Regular price
£45.00
The Roaches
via Lud's Church & Hen Cloud
The Roaches is a rocky ridge gritstone escarpment in the Peak District National Park, and this walk takes us above and below it, with an optional scramble thrown in. On our 10 mile trek, expect open moorlands, rolling hills, rocky outcrops and woodland forest trails, as we hike over Hen Cloud, above the Roaches and of course down below into the deep dramatic Lud’s Church chasm.
A wind-carved outcrop of gritstone rocks, the ridge reaches 505m and provides us with spectacular views over Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Wales. It is crowned by a the Doxey Pool, a small body of water, the legendary home to a mythical mermaid.
As we enter and stroll through the woodlands, suddenly the floor appears to open up via steep steps leading down into the rocky labyrinth that is Lud's Church. A mesmerising, mossy cavern nestled in the Back Forest of Staffordshire.
Lud’s Church was likely formed after the last glacial period; created by a landslip in the weak Roaches hillside grit. Hidden away from all except those who are looking for it, this magical place has the feel of a hidden mystical scene from days gone by, with moss and plant-life covering most of its surfaces. 18-metres deep and 100-metres long, the chasm is always cool, even in summer months, which adds to its otherworldly feel.
Lollards were the first worshipers to arrive, followers of religious reformer John Wycliffe, a pre-protestant Christian group, who rejected Catholicism, so were prosecuted as heretics. Forced into hiding, they found refuge in Lud’s Church during the 15th Century. The tranquil, hidden chasm being perfect for worshiping in peace. The name ‘Lud’ possibly derived from Llud, a Celtic god, but more likely from Walter de Lud Auk, a Lollard worshiper, who was captured during a raid of Lud’s Church. His daughter Alice, was killed during the arrest and her ghost is said to haunt the chasm. This legend was commemorated in 1862, when a small figurine was placed above Lud’s Church by landowner, Phillip Broklehurst, in remembrance of "Lady Lud" as Alice became known.
This entrance to a world of mysterious fairy tales, this place features heavily in local folklore, from how Lud’s Church was created by the Devil scraping his finger along the earth’s surface. To the later stories of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hiding here, as it was said did Bonnie Prince Charlie. Thought also to be the inspiration behind the "The Greene Chapel in the mysterious Medieval poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".
The Details:
Total Ascent: 455m; 1493ft
IMPORTANT INFO:
- Accommodation & Transport are not included as part of the event booking. So please book accommodation and make travel arrangement at your earliest convenience, as this is a very popular area to visit. If you would like to join forces with other participants and stay in shared houses, this is likely to provide better value for money. So please reply to your confirmation email to request a joining link to the event WhatsApp group to discuss with the group.
- A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
- Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity.
- Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
- Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
- While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
- Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
- Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
- Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
- Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
- Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
- Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate (with your dog if you bring one) on this type of walk.
- Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
- Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.
Health & Safety Application Form:
If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.
Future Walk Info:
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