The Roaches, Staffordshire Ramble
18 August 2019
The club continues its popular wide-ranging summer rambles programme with an invigorating 12 mile circular ramble exploring the the attractive western fringes of the Peak District. There will be a number of spectacular viewpoints throughout the day. There should also be a shorter route option.
The walk will start from the village of Upper Hulme and head north west to the first viewpoint ,Hen Cloud, a splendid solitary rocky outcrop overlooking the Dane valley. We continue along to the maim gritstone edge called” The Roaches” delineating the western edge of the Peak District. The ridge crosses a wild tract of moorland and is three miles long, looking down on a delightful mix of pastoral scenery.
Upon reaching the northern end there will be a mid morning break to allow time to enjoy the scenery. Onwards then past Roache End,skirting Back Forest and eventually reaching Lud”s Church. This is a rocky rift a quarter of a mile long 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 an opportunity to explore this long narrow chasm with its steep lofty sides. We hen head east and soon reach our lunchtime destination, the small village of Gradbach where refreshments will be available, After lunch we continue east cutting across to Little Hill End and Adder”s Green, then south onto Gibb Tor and past Newstone Farm. There is a final chance to enjoy more marvellous views as we walk along the gritstone ridge called Renshaw Rocks. We then complete the circular route finishing back at Upper Hulme for a coach departure home by 6.00 pm
