Lud's Church and Roach End
Peak District, Staffordshire
Getting There
Getting Started...
At the bend in the road from Clough Head Ln into Hazelwood Rd, you will find the start of the walk.
Once through the tight squeeze, take an immediate right through a little gate that leads you down into Black Forest Wood.
You will shortly come up to a junction where you will take a right.
You want to be following all signs that lead you to Lud's Church, keep your eye out as the next junction will lead you right across a wooden plank path!
Entering Lud's Church...
You will eventually reach a little wooden fence on your right which is the entrance to Lud's Church.
You can continue along the path straight to enter the gorge, or if you fancy a tighter squeeze, hop over the fence onto another path and keep checking left for the gap in the ground!
Once in, you can experience the true beauty this landmark holds.
In the early 15th Century, it was understood that a worship group known as the Lollards, who were followers of John Wycliffe (an early church reformer), used the chasm as a secret place of worship!
Moving On...
To exit Lud's Church, head down further into the gorge and around the corner.
Once on the path, you want to head left.
Just a bit further down, keep a look out left for the hanging stone formation that offers perfect picture opportunities!
You will then want to head back up to the path and follow it straight - there is a little sign, follow the path for "Swythamley".
Follow this path until you reach the next junction, where you will head off right to the "Roaches".
The Roaches...
It's a straight path from here, with a couple of junctions where you will keep ahead following the "Roaches".
Be sure to take in the magnificent views the ridge line has to offer - even on the cloudiest of days it's still insane!
You will eventually join back up with the car, and if you're lucky, a Mr Whippy ice cream van will be parked up, even on the cold days for those of you crazy ones!!!
Be prepared for your hike...
Original Hoodie
Trail Essentials
Crafted for adventurers who demand comfort and durability but still want to...