Hen Cloud & The Roaches Sunrise Walk

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.

Good to know

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.

Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash, Peak District Farm shop

Tagg Lane Dairy, home to the best ice cream in the Peak District, possibly the whole UK. A proper farm dairy treat,…

8.5 miles away 📍 Map View →

Oakleys Farm Buffalo & Co. Kitchen Farm shop

Buffalo breakfast buns at Oakleys Farm, Dilhorne, sausage or bacon from 7.25, free parking, Thursday to Sunday only.

9.5 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Old Dog Country Pub, Thorpe, Near Dovedale Pub

A country pub just minutes from the Dovedale Stepping Stones and the Tissington trail.

12.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

Ramblers Retreat, Dimmingsdale Cafe

A family run tearoom in a converted gatehouse on the Chained Oak walk at Dimmingsdale, serving oatcakes and cake since 1981.

12.4 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it

The George Hotel, Hathersage

Hotel · 18.5 miles away

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →

The Estate Rooms, Alstonefield Manor Self-catering

A private wing of a Peak District stone manor, The Estate Rooms sleep two with a king bed, a cosy living space…

9 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel

A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…

12.9 miles away 📍 Map View →

A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering

Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District

13.6 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all places to stay on the map →

More walks near here

Lud’s Church from Gradbach Walk

Easy–Moderate 📏 2.5 Miles ⏱ 1.5 - 2 Hours ⭐ 4.4

2.5 miles away View →

Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk from Cheddleton

Easy 📏 0.8 Mile ⏱ 1-2 Hours

6.1 miles away View →

Dragon’s Back Circular Walk – Chrome & Parkhouse Hill From Earl Sterndale

Moderate 📏 4.6 Miles ⏱ 2-3 Hours ⭐ 5

6.2 miles away View →

See all walks →

POIs nearby

The Roaches A dramatic gritstone ridge loved by climbers and walkers 📍 On the route View on map → Don Whillans Memorial Hut An iconic building known to climbers across the UK 📍 On the route View on map →