Trail Running Planet · Peak District · Staffordshire Moorlands
The Roaches and Lud's Church
Two of the most distinctive bits of the whole Peak District back to back. The Roaches ridge has proper exposure and Lud's Church is one of those places that makes you stop and look twice.
Distance
12.4 km
Ascent
539 m
Descent
539 m
Max elevation
485 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h 55m – 3h 55m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
straightforward
Parking
ST13 8TY
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A gritstone circuit in the Staffordshire Peak District linking the dramatic rock escarpment of The Roaches with the hidden chasm of Lud's Church. Vivid terrain packed into 12km.
Hazards & notes
Rocky and slippery on the Roaches escarpment when wet. Steep descent into Lud's Church. The gorge is narrow with loose rock on the sides.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/peak-district/staffordshire-moorlands/roaches-luds-church
trailrunningplanet.com