The Roaches, Staffordshire

The club continues its wide-ranging summer rambles programme with an invigorating 12 mile circular ramble exploring the attractive western fringes of the Peak District. There will be a number of spectacular viewpoints throughout the day. There will be a shorter route option. The walk will start from the village of Upper Hulme (grid ref 015610) and head north westwards to the first viewpoint, Hen Cloud, a splendid solitary rocky outcrop overlooking the Dane valley. We continue along to the main gritstone ridge called The Roaches delineating the western edge of the Peak District. The ridge crowns a wild tract of moorland and is three miles long looking down on a delightful mix of pastoral scenery. Near to its northern end there will a mid-morning break to give more time to enjoy the scenery.
Onwards then past Roach End, skirting Back Forest eventually reaching Lud's Church. This is a rocky rift a quarter of a mile long and ranging from 30 to 50 feet in depth. It is said to be named after one of the earliest preachers of the Reformation. There will be the opportunity to explore this long narrow chasm with its steep lofty sides. We then turn east and soon reach our lunchtime destination the small village of Gradbach. Refreshments will be available here. After lunch we continue east cutting across to Little Hillend and Adder's Green and then south onto Gibb Tor and past Newstone Farm. There is then a final chance to enjoy more marvellous views as we walk along another gritstone ridge castled Ramshaw Rocks. We then complete the circuit finishing back at Upper Hulme for a coach departure at 6pm latest.