The Roaches is a 5 mile long Gritstone edge in the Staffordshire Peak District and Hen Cloud is its often quieter next door neighbour. A great sunrise or sunset spot due to the close proximity of parking and amazing views in every direction.
What to expect
This is a popular area with good and easy to follow footpaths, and for a short walk, its hard to find anywhere in the area with views as good as they are here.
This area used to be home to wild wallabies and although they’ve not been spotted for a number of years it’s always worth keeping an eye out, just in case. You can also spot peregrine falcons, kestrels and red grouse on here.
Getting there & parking
Free roadside parking along Roach Road – ST13 8UA. There’s also a car park that opens when its busy to provide more parking. This road is narrow in places so please be considerate when visiting.
The route
This it a route of two halves, set off from your car and head towards Hen Cloud on your right, take in the views from there before heading back down and up along the Roaches on the other side. You’ll follow this ridge to the trig point before returning and cutting down through the woodland below.
Tips & what to bring
This edge can be quite exposed as well as quite different to the paths below, it can get very windy and even on a summers day visibility can be poor if you find yourself in the low cloud or mist. Always download the map before you go and keep dogs and children close as there is a steep drop along the edge.
Eat & drink nearby
There’s a local pub in the next village that we’re yet to try. For more options head to the nearby market town of Leek which is about 5 miles away by car.
Places to stay nearby
Pair this walk with somewhere we have stayed and rated nearby.
More walks near here
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