Walking & hiking from the front door
The Roaches Walks: Hiking Routes from Roaches Hall
Gritstone ridges, Lud’s Church and Tittesworth Reservoir, all from the door of your Peak District house.
Paths from the front door · Roaches ridge about 10 minutes’ walk · Lud’s Church · OS map OL24 White Peak
The Roaches, Staffordshire
One of the UK’s best walks, on your doorstep
Roaches Hall sits right beneath the Roaches, the dramatic gritstone escarpment on the Staffordshire edge of the Peak District. The Daily Telegraph ranked it number 5 in its top 10 UK walks, and the Sunday Times compared it to a film set from an Arthurian epic.
A footpath starts in front of the house, and you’ll be enjoying the views within about 15 minutes. From the ridge you can see across the Staffordshire Moorlands to Tittesworth Reservoir, and on a clear day as far as Snowdonia. Look out for peregrine falcons, deer and wild ponies, and maybe even think of the wallabies that once lived up here.
Walking routes from Roaches Hall
Four routes to suit every group, all starting from the hall.
Route 1
The Roaches Circular
A short loop up onto the ridge and back, perfect for a first look at the Roaches or a gentle morning walk with the whole group.
See a mapped Roaches loop from the hall →PeakDistrict.org’s Roaches Walk starts at the entrance to Roaches Hall. It is a slightly longer 4.1-mile loop that also takes in Hen Cloud.OS Maps · Komoot · GPX
Route 2
The Roaches Out & Back
Follow the ridge to the Roaches rocks and return the same way. Slightly more challenging than the circular, with big views the whole way.
See this route on a map →3.1 miles out and back from Roaches Gate, a short walk from the hall.
Route 3
The Roaches and Lud’s Church Circular
The classic. Walk the length of the Roaches, past Doxey Pool, then drop into Back Forest to explore the mossy chasm of Lud’s Church before looping back. Hen Cloud is close by too.
See this route on a map →PeakDistrict.org’s Lud’s Church ramble follows the same loop (about 7 miles).OS Maps · AllTrails · Komoot · GPX
Route 4
The Roaches and Tittesworth Reservoir Circular
A full day out combining the Roaches ridge with a loop around Tittesworth Reservoir. The longest and toughest option.
See the reservoir loop on a map →Combine the Roaches ridge with PeakDistrict.org’s 4.7-mile loop around Tittesworth Reservoir.OS Maps · GPX
Lud’s Church
A hidden chasm steeped in legend
Lud’s Church is a deep, narrow ravine in Back Forest, its walls covered in moss and ferns. It’s said to have been a secret meeting place for 15th-century Lollards, and many believe it inspired the Green Chapel in the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
It’s one of the Peak District’s most atmospheric spots, and a highlight of the Roaches and Lud’s Church circular.
More to discover on foot
Hen Cloud
The striking outcrop at the southern end of the Roaches, popular with climbers.
Doxey Pool
A small moorland pool on top of the ridge, with its own legend of a water spirit.
Tittesworth Reservoir
Waterside paths, a visitor centre and café below the Roaches.
Ramshaw Rocks
Weathered gritstone formations just along the road, home to the famous Winking Man.
Before you go
Walking tips
- Pick up OS Explorer map OL24, The White Peak, before your stay
- Wear proper walking boots, as the ridge can be rocky and boggy
- The weather changes quickly on the tops, so pack waterproofs
- There are flatter trails nearby for pushchairs and limited mobility
- Dogs are welcome on the paths, but keep them on a lead near livestock
- Follow the Countryside Code and leave gates as you find them
Walking FAQs
Can you walk to the Roaches from Roaches Hall?
Yes. A footpath starts in front of the house, and the Roaches ridge is about a ten-minute walk away.
How long is the Roaches and Lud’s Church circular?
The Roaches and Lud’s Church circular is about 7.7 miles with 424 m of climbing, and takes around four hours.
Is the Roaches walk difficult?
The short Roaches circular (2.1 miles) is fairly easy, with one climb onto the ridge. Longer routes to Lud’s Church and Tittesworth Reservoir are more challenging.
Which OS map covers the Roaches?
OS Explorer OL24, The White Peak, covers the Roaches and Lud’s Church.
Are dogs allowed on the Roaches?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a lead around livestock and ground-nesting birds.