Mid-ARS to the Roaches

22nd August ARS walk to the Roaches

A 7.7ml, circular walk taking in The Roaches, Lud s Church and Hanging Stone. Total height gain is 1130ft, mostly at the start of the walk.
Drinks and lunch will be required. The walk is being lead by Nigel Mottershead.

Departing Audlem car park at 8am

We pass through Leek and head up the A53 towards Buxton. After 3mls look out for the signs for Ye Olde Rock Inn on the LHS and turn left and go past it on a narrow lane – Roach Road.
After a mile, passing the base of Hen Cloud, the trees stop. A bit further on there are signposts stating Restricted Parking . Park after the signs a soon as possible – there will cars there already but there are more spaces as you drive a bit further on.

We will commence the walk at a footpath intersection that takes us up onto the Roaches.
There is a Public Footpath signpost there:
SK 00604 61899
Lat, long: 53.15423, -1.99242

We have a fairly steep ascent for about a mile along the side of the Roaches, reaching the summit of 1638ft. After that the path descends gently across moorland past Bearstone Rock to cross the Roach Road (ice cream truck) – this will be the coffee/refreshments stop.
Carrying on we descend briefly into the forest to reach Lud s Church – a spectacular chasm. Those that wish can descend down a few steep steps and then walk through the chasm. Others can take a gentler path round the outside to meet up again at the bottom of Lud s Church.
A bit further on there are some rocks where we will stop for a lunch break.

It's then a easy stroll across to Hanging Stone. There is a short steep descent before we join an easy track across to Roach Road. The final mile or so is along the road – which is usually fairly quiet.

Quite a lot of the walk was dog friendly (animal free) and there about 3 easy stiles.

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NB All walkers must have suitable footwear and be prepared for adverse weather, carry food and water to last for the entire walk and be suitably fit for the various lengths of walk.

Each walk is led by a nominated leader who will carry some first-aid equipment. The leader has the right to refuse to include in a group anyone who is felt not be adequately equipped.

Non-members of Audlem Rambling Society (ARS) are welcome to come on a walk but are expected to join ARS and pay the membership fee after a trial walk or two.