The Roaches
Wind-carved gritstone ridge in the Peak District, offering dramatic rock formations, stunning views, and popular hiking & climbing routes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
The Roaches
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wind-carved gritstone ridge in the Peak District, offering dramatic rock formations, stunning views, and popular hiking & climbing routes.
"The Roaches offers beautiful walkways and is an excellent spot for picnics with remarkable views."
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
☕ Ice cream van for refreshments
Look out for the ice cream van that also serves coffee and tea mid-hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Roaches Ridge
Prominent rocky outcrop
Wind-carved gritstone ridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Staffordshire Peak District.
Lud's Church
Mossy chasm
A magical, moss-covered chasm with a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere. A must-visit detour.
Hen Cloud
Summit near The Roaches
A rewarding climb offering expansive vistas, often included in popular hiking loops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. 
☕ Ice cream van for refreshments
Look out for the ice cream van that also serves coffee and tea mid-hike.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
Free lay-by parking fills up fast. Consider the tea rooms' honesty box car park.
🐶 Dog-friendly trails
Bring your furry friends along! The Roaches is a great spot for dogs to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots
The terrain can be uneven and rocky. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
☕ Ice cream van for refreshments
Look out for the ice cream van that also serves coffee and tea mid-hike.
🚗 Arrive early for parking
Free lay-by parking fills up fast. Consider the tea rooms' honesty box car park.
🐶 Dog-friendly trails
Bring your furry friends along! The Roaches is a great spot for dogs to explore.
📸 Capture the stunning views
The panoramic vistas are incredible, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Roaches for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning panoramic views. The unique rock formations and the atmospheric Lud's Church are standout features, making it a highly recommended hiking and climbing destination. While parking can be challenging on busy days, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering a perfect escape into nature.
"Lovely walk at the Roaches and Luds Church, definitely worth a visit. Mostly an okay hike with a few uphills. Lud's Church definitely worth the additional trek."
Teri Scott-Lewis
"Beautiful views and peaceful surroundings! The hike isn’t too hard — just the right amount of effort for amazing scenery. A perfect spot to enjoy nature and unwind. Highly recommend!"
Denisa Benchea
"The Roaches is a prominent rocky ridge above Leek in the Staffordshire Peak District of England. The ridge, with its striking rock formations, rises steeply to 505 m (1,657 ft). It offers beautiful walkways and is an excellent spot for picnics. The rocks, formed during the Carboniferous period, reveal through their carvings and shapes how rain and water erosion have acted over time. The A53 road branches into narrow lanes that lead to the site, which is dog-friendly and has picnic areas, an ice cream van, and access for emergency vehicles. Visitors are rewarded with remarkable views and unforgettable memories."
Paul Inbaraj Pillai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roaches is accessible by car from Stoke-on-Trent, typically taking around 30-40 minutes via the A53. Narrow lanes lead to the site. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most convenient way to reach this popular hiking destination. +1
Public transport to The Roaches is quite limited. While buses may run to nearby towns like Leek, getting directly to the trailhead often requires a taxi or a significant walk from the nearest bus stop.
The most common access points for hiking are from the lay-bys along Roaches Road or the car park at the Roaches Tea Rooms. These serve as excellent starting points for various routes, including the popular Lud's Church walk.
The A53 road is the main route towards The Roaches from Stoke-on-Trent. From there, you'll turn onto narrower country lanes that lead directly to the parking areas and trailheads.
Cycling is possible, but be prepared for some steep inclines on the approach roads. The scenic routes offer a rewarding experience for cyclists who enjoy challenging rides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to The Roaches is free. There are no admission fees to access the natural landscape and hiking trails.
Parking in the lay-bys along Roaches Road is free. The Roaches Tea Rooms offers parking for a small fee, typically around £2 via an honesty box.
The Roaches is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully enjoy the views.
While there aren't official guided tours, local walking groups or outdoor activity providers may offer guided hikes. It's worth checking local listings or community forums.
The Roaches is a popular natural area. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment, stay on marked paths where possible, and take all litter with them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include a loop taking in Hen Cloud, The Roaches ridge, and Lud's Church (approx. 8 miles). Shorter walks along the ridge are also rewarding.
Yes, parts of The Roaches are suitable for families. The main ridge offers easier walking, but some sections can be steep or rocky. Lud's Church requires a bit more effort.
The Roaches features striking gritstone rock formations, shaped by wind and water erosion over millennia. These provide excellent opportunities for scrambling and photography.
Yes, there are several beautiful spots for picnics along the ridge and near the parking areas, offering stunning views as you dine.
Absolutely! The Roaches is a renowned spot for rock climbing, with numerous routes for various skill levels, including challenging climbs for experienced climbers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Roaches Tea Rooms is located near the main parking area and offers refreshments. An ice cream van also often visits the site, selling coffee and tea.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended. There are many scenic spots perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
The tea rooms typically offer light snacks, cakes, and hot drinks. It's a good place to grab a coffee or a treat after your hike.
You'll find pubs in nearby towns like Leek or Flash. These offer more substantial meals and a chance to relax after your outdoor adventures.
Barbecues are generally not permitted in natural park areas like The Roaches to prevent fire hazards and protect the environment. It's best to stick to picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape and rock formations.
The dramatic gritstone outcrops, the panoramic views from the ridge, and the atmospheric mossy depths of Lud's Church are all highly photogenic.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive landscapes, and a tripod can help with low-light conditions.
While not common, some local photography groups or guides might offer specialized tours. It's worth checking local event listings or photography clubs.
While sunny days offer clear views, dramatic skies with clouds can add a lot of character to your photos. Misty mornings can also create a mystical atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While Lud's Church is a bit more of a trek, the unique, mossy chasm is often a hit with children, sparking their imagination. Ensure children are supervised closely on the rocky terrain and consider shorter, simpler routes if they are very young. The presence of an ice cream van can also be a great motivator!
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Trail Runners
The varied terrain and stunning scenery make it ideal for trail running, with routes like the one recommended by @nattie8825 offering a challenging and rewarding experience. For solo hikers, sticking to the main ridge and popular routes like Lud's Church is advisable. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. The peaceful surroundings offer a great opportunity for reflection and enjoying nature.
🧗♂️ Experienced Climbers
Climbers often highlight the quality of the rock and the iconic nature of the climbs here. It's crucial for climbers to be well-equipped, knowledgeable about the specific routes, and aware of any local access guidelines. Respecting the environment and other users of the area is paramount.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Routes and Trails
For those seeking a less strenuous walk, simply exploring the main ridge offers spectacular views without significant elevation gain. The trails are generally well-trodden, but can be uneven and rocky in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.
+1 Many visitors enjoy combining a walk with a visit to the nearby Tittesworth Reservoir for a different perspective on the Peak District's natural beauty. Remember to check weather conditions before you go, as the exposed ridge can be windy and exposed. Carrying a map or using a reliable navigation app is advisable, especially if venturing off the most obvious paths.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Climbers often praise the quality of the rock and the variety of climbing styles available. It's important for climbers to be aware of local access restrictions and to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment.
For those new to climbing or looking for guidance, local outdoor activity providers can offer guided sessions or courses. It's always recommended to climb with experienced partners and to have the appropriate safety gear.
Geology and Natural History
The Carboniferous period was a time of significant geological activity, and the rocks here provide a fascinating glimpse into these ancient processes. The sheer scale and texture of the rock faces are a result of these slow, persistent natural forces.
Beyond the rocks, the area is rich in natural beauty, with diverse flora and fauna. The mossy depths of Lud's Church, for instance, create a unique microclimate supporting a variety of plant life, adding to the magical atmosphere of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit