SK0063 : Eastern slopes of The Roaches

The Roaches

505m Elevation
123m Prominence
England Country
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SK0063 : Eastern slopes of The Roaches

John Topping Photo source

Explore routes near The Roaches

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tittesworth Resevoir

7.6 km ~2h Moderate

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Mam Tor Circular Walk via Blue John Cavern

4.5 km ~2h Moderate

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Apedale Circular Route

7.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Kinder Scout from Edale Circular

13 km ~5h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Roaches Ridge Walk

This is the most popular route, starting from the parking area near Roach End and following the ridge along The Roaches. The route offers stunning views over Staffordshire and Cheshire, passing iconic landmarks like Hen Cloud and Doxey Pool. The terrain is rocky but manageable, making it a great introduction to the area.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular

This circular route combines the dramatic ridge of The Roaches with the atmospheric Lud's Church, a deep chasm steeped in legend. Starting at the Roaches Gate, the walk takes in panoramic views, descends through woodland to Lud's Church, and loops back via Gradbach. It's a varied and rewarding hike.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Hen Cloud and The Roaches Loop

This shorter loop begins near the Upper Hulme car park and ascends Hen Cloud, a prominent rocky outcrop. From there, it joins the ridge of The Roaches, passing notable features like Doxey Pool before descending back to the start point. A perfect option for those looking for a shorter adventure with great views.

5.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

The Roaches Extended Ridge Walk

This longer route follows the entire ridge of The Roaches from Roach End to Hen Cloud and adds an extension to the nearby Ramshaw Rocks, known for their striking formations. This is a great choice for those wanting to explore more of the area's unique geology and enjoy a longer day out.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging

The Roaches via Back Forest

Starting at Gradbach, this route ascends through the Back Forest, a beautiful wooded area, before emerging onto the ridge of The Roaches. It combines peaceful woodland trails with the dramatic open landscapes of the ridge, offering a mix of scenery in a relatively short hike.

6 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Dodd Dewey Ethel

Elevation

505m

1,657 ft

Prominence

123m

Coordinates

53.1721, -1.9999

SK001638

OS Map

119

Explorer: OL24W

At the Summit

The summit features rugged cliffs with a rocky outcrop and provides excellent opportunities for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy patches and steep inclines.

Predominantly gritstone, with notable rocky outcrops and crags that provide superb climbing opportunities and stunning views. The formation dates back to the Carboniferous period, giving the landscape a rich geological texture.

Views & Scenery

Stunning panorama of the Peak District, including views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, as well as the nearby towns of Leek and Buxton.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Roaches' is derived from the Old French word 'roche', meaning 'rock', reflecting the area’s rugged terrain.

Historical Significance

The Roaches is historically significant for climbers and walkers alike, boasting a rich heritage of outdoor sports and features in many local legends.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Roaches Car Park (SK001610), which has limited spaces but offers great access to the trails.

Public Transport

Accessible via local buses to nearby villages such as Leek or Upperhulme, followed by a short hike to the trails.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on The Roaches, but Leek offers a range of cafes, pubs, and shops where you can stock up before or after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and potential for slips on steep sections. Fog can roll in quickly, reducing visibility.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Roaches?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around The Roaches through the maps

Are there other walkers around The Roaches?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for The Roaches search or of course create your own walk for The Roaches

Can I organise a walk to The Roaches?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to The Roaches.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up The Roaches?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to The Roaches here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

The Roaches location map

Grid reference: SK001638

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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