Sometimes the best days out are the ones right on your doorstep!
Living locally to Leek, we’re lucky to have some incredible countryside within easy reach, and one of our recent adventures took us to The Roaches, a 975 acre landscape on the edge of the Peak District National Park one of the area’s most recognisable and dramatic walking spots.
For breathtaking panoramic views, climb the stone steps to the left of the stone cottage built into the hillside (Rockhall Cottage also known as the Don Whillans Memorial Hut), and walk along the rocky ridge. After a about half a mile you’ll reach Doxey Pool, a tranquil but allegedly haunted pool that is reputed to be home to a mermaid who lures travellers to a watery grave! Alternatively, you could explore the less visited northern end of the estate. Starting at Gradbach car park you can walk up through Back Forest’s sheltered woodland paths and explore the stunning rocky 18 metre deep chasm known as Lud’s Church.
Keep reading to find out more about our adventurous day to The Roaches.
So, if you’re looking for a day out that combines fresh air, beautiful scenery and a good walk, The Roaches is definitely worth putting on your list. It’s somewhere worth visiting and I am sure that you would be keen to return again as the landscape scenes are just stunning especially on a nice day like today.
I was recently invited to join a walk with my friends, Girish and Suma to The Roaches. Although I have seen it many a times on the way Leek/Buxton road, I had never walked to The Roaches so I was eagerly looking forward to this trip. We parked by the lay-by just above the small hamlet of Upper Hulme, beneath the towering rock faces of The Roaches and Hen Cloud.
One of the most important thing I would say is to dress appropriately. It was a cool morning so we had our thick coats and waterproofs if it rained. Luckily it was a beautiful day and we had the sun accompanying us the whole day.
There are a number of public footpaths which you can take but just remember to follow all on-site guidance. My friends knew the area pretty well as they have been there a few times so I just followed them.
Our walk took around four hours, including time to take in the views and enjoy the surroundings. Although we were all adults, I am certain our children would also have enjoyed the walk if they had joined us. The walk is also suitable for dog walkers and we did see a few along the trail. We did stop off a few times along the way and even enjoyed a lovely picnic brunch. There are no toilets or cafe along the route, so it is best you bring along enough snacks and drinks.
The Roaches really is a beautiful place to walk. The rocky landscape gives it a completely different feel to some of the other countryside walks we’ve done locally, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views. We were lucky that it was a clear day hence we could see for miles across the surrounding Staffordshire countryside.
For me, one of the best things about walking here is that it doesn’t feel like you’re simply following a path from A to B. There’s always something to look at, whether it’s the dramatic rock formations, the open moorland or the views stretching across the landscape.
One of the reasons we love exploring places like The Roaches is that it can make for a good day out. You don’t need to organise a packed itinerary or spend a fortune. A pair of comfortable walking shoes, some suitable layers, snacks and a drink are pretty much all you need. Of course, the weather can make a big difference. As with any countryside walk, I’d recommend checking the forecast and wearing appropriate footwear, particularly as some sections can be uneven and muddy after wet weather.
Our recent walk was a lovely opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy being outdoors. We managed to clock in 13,117 steps which came up to about 8.4 km. The fact that it’s relatively local to us makes it even better. Towards the end of our walk we saw a lot of people both rock climbing and bouldering very close to the Don Whillans Memorial Hut, also known as the Rockhall Cottage.
After spending around four hours walking, we had definitely worked up an appetite! Rather than heading straight home, we decided to finish our day with a meal at The Country Inn at The Three Horseshoes, which made the perfect ending to our countryside adventure. There’s something particularly satisfying about sitting down for a hearty meal after a long walk, especially when you’ve spent the afternoon outdoors.
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. The Roaches is one of those local places that remind you just how lucky you are to have beautiful countryside nearby. Our four-hour walk gave us plenty of time to explore, take in the views and enjoy some much-needed time away from everyday life.
If you’re local to Staffordshire or visiting the Peak District and looking for a family-friendly day out, The Roaches is well worth exploring. Just remember your walking boots, wrap up appropriately for the weather and leave enough energy for that well-earned meal afterwards!
Where is The Roaches?
There is a small car park at Gradbach near the Youth Hostel and lay-by parking near Upper Hulme at Rockhall.
Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 8UA
How much is the entry fee ?
This is a free walk in the nature, parking is free too if you park along the lay-by, but do be aware the road is narrow and parking is limited, so go early and avoid busy bank holidays.
Things to Note
Dogs are allowed but it is recommended for them to be on a lead as there are a lot of grazing animals around.
Food & Drink – There are no facilities at the top, so make sure you bring a picnic with some food and plenty of water to drink.
Toilet – Again there are no toilet facilities at the top
Dress approriately for the weather. Bring along weatherproofs, good walking shoes, gloves and a hat (or suncream if its a hot summer’s day) as the highest point is 505 meters (1,657 feet) above sea level and the weather can be unpredictable.
You may also want to read this:
Review: Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club in Crewe
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap heads to Crewe Lyceum
Review: Ward Thomas Tour 2025 at Crewe Lyceum
2 comments
I have never seen a place so beautiful in my entire life! I love those hills and terraces, and the water is lovely.
What a lovely way to spend the day with friends! I would definitely be stopping along the way to take in those views. The story about Doxey Pool is intriguing, too, although I think I’d admire that one from a distance!