Lud’s Church From The Roaches: 9 Mile There And Back Route

Tucked away in the Staffordshire Peak District, Lud’s Church and The Roaches offer one of the area’s most striking and varied walks. The Roaches, a dramatic gritstone escarpment, rewards walkers with sweeping views across the countryside and a chance to spot climbers scaling its rugged cliffs.

In contrast, nearby Lud’s Church feels like stepping into another world: a deep, moss-covered chasm formed by a landslip, rich with legends of outlaws, secret worshippers, and even the tales of Robin Hood. Together, these landmarks make for a route that combines open moorland, wild rock formations, and atmospheric woodland — a perfect mix of adventure and history.

We opted for a 10-mile circular starting out at The Roaches, Hen Cloud and then onto Lud’s Church. There is limited free on-road parking available along the road outside The Roaches Tearooms but these fill up quickly. there is a car park just off the lane where parking costs approximately £5 for all day (costs may change from date of publishing).

Lud’s Church from The Roaches route description

Stage 1 – Hencloud and The Roaches

Parking up in the layby outside of The Roaches Tearoom, follow the road north a short distance, before turning right the gate or across the cattle grid. Take the track directly in front of you with the fence line on your right-hand side, as you cross the road there is a small gap in the vegetation. This is the start of the ascent to Hen Cloud. This early ascent involves a bit of scrambling and has some steep sections to it. There is an easier route up if you follow the road around, but this way is much more fun. On a good day, the views from the top are stunning.

Reaching the top of Hen Cloud, follow the path to the left and head down towards a gate. Follow the path as you head past The Roaches gritstone rocks. Look out for groups of rock climbers around this section. Follow the path through the woodland, and then take a right up some steps to the edge of The Roaches. As you head along, this section is very exposed, so be sure to have a spare layer in case you need it – even on a sunny day it can get very windy.

A little further along you will come to Doxey’s Pool – at the time works were in progress fencing the pool off to improve the water quality and reduce the erosion around the pool edges. Keep heading along and you will reach The Roaches trig point.

Stage 2 – The Roaches to Lud’s Church

Heading off from the trig point follow the path along as it descends towards the road. Crossing over the road through the wall, take an immediate right and go through the gate. Follow the path down into some secluded woodland. Follow the path and signs for Lud’s Church and take a right at an area with a small boarded walk section.

Continue on this path for a short section and you reach Lud’s Church. Descend the steps into the chasm. Pictures really do not do it justice and you could spend a fair length of time exploring down here. On our visit we were lucky and it wasn’t too muddy, but it gets very muddy at times.

Stage 3 – Lud’s Church returning to The Roaches

Coming out of Lud’s Church, continue along the path with the River Dane to your right. After a while you will reach a left turn that heads up hill. This path leads you back round to the road at Roach End. Cross back over the road and head back up the steep hill that leads you back onto the roaches. From here you are just retracing your steps from the start of the walk back along the roaches.

As you approach Hen Clod there is a path off to your left. Take the path — be very careful especially after bad weather as this is steep and can be difficult to navigate with muddy and rocky sections. It can also be very slippy after rainfall. The path eventually leads down to a gate, head through the gate with a building on your left and then follow the road which returns you to the start of the walk.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Lud’s Church and The Roaches

A short drive from the tea rooms there is The Winking Man country pub along the A53 heading towards Buxton. We stopped here following our walk for some refreshments, but were unable to eat as we hadn’t booked in advance and there was a wait on tables. The pub is very cosy and they serve home cooked and traditional food. The lunch menu has typical favourites like homemade chicken, ham and leek pie (£13), salmon fillet (14) and cod and chips (£13).

There is also a more substantial evening menu as well as serving traditional Sunday Roasts. As you would expect there was also a good selection of real ales, lagers, wines, ciders and spirits as well as non alcoholic options for non-drinkers or designated drivers. *There is a note on their website that states no dogs are allowed in the pub during food service times (except guide dogs)*

⚠️ Heads up if you’re heading to Lud’s Church & The Roaches!
The trails here can get muddy, rocky, and slippery—especially around the chasm at Lud’s Church and along the exposed edges of The Roaches. Wear proper boots, watch your footing, and be ready for sudden changes in weather. Mobile signal is patchy, so don’t rely on your phone for maps. Take care near steep drops, and keep dogs close by—there are livestock and sheer edges.

Enjoy the walk, but stay safe! 🌿👣

Pics from the peaks: more from Lud’s Church and The Roaches