the roaches peak district

We had a lovely walk along the roaches and was a great walk in the woodland. However there were 3 children, so we chose the 1.5mile walk but the 1.5 was definitely longer than that so think carefully when taking young children, even on this smaller walk.

Take a brisk walk through what is a spectacular outcrop and enjoy the fabulous air and breathtaking views. Natural de-stressing and feel good factor. And you never know, you might spot the odd wallaby still bobbing through the terrain.

Fascinating rock ridges with walks, climbs, photo and picnic opportunities within comfortable distance from Leek and Buxton. A special place with historical and geological intetest.

There are plenty of beautiful, breathtaking places in the peak district, but there is something very special about The Roaches. The roads leading to the road side parking are very accessible even for those coming from cities and are not used to driving in the countryside. It can be a little challenging in fresh snow but the roads are quickly cleared so even then it's accessible! Once you're out of the car the exploring can begin! There's so many little paths and rocks to explore that you'll never get bored of been up there.. And the views from the top (particularly hen cloud) are just fantastic.. Going on a clear sunny day is an absolute must.. You'll be shocked at how far you can see! I'd recommend walking boots or wellies in the winter because parts can become rather muddy, however in the summer months good sports trainers will suffice.

Long and short walks on the roaches. Beautiful scenery. A lovely drive too them and lots to explore. Fields. Valleys. Rivers. Climbing. Absieling. Mermaid pool close by. Beautiful rock formations. One being the winking man himself. Drive past him on buxton road and see his eye wink at you! The roaches is immense in size and lots of people visit. Snow sticks in winter so always wear suitable clothing and footwear whatever weather or season. I live a few miles away and see the air ambulance out everyday so take care

I have been coming since I was a boy so many years ago, I learned to climb here, the "chicken run" being my first and numerous others since.I have seen one of the legendary wallabies on a sunny Sunday afternoon and enjoyed watching Sir Chris Bonnington seemingly glide over the rock face almost like vertically drifting water.Enough of that, yesterday was a beautiful winters day with lots of snow but at around +1 C very pleasant. I would recommend this for family walks starting from hen cloud along the roaches and maybe take in Ramshaw rocks at the same time. I was rescued at the aforementioned one freezing afternoon on a free climb not daring to go forwards or back, the ice on the ledges taught me a lesson, however, the army were practising just around the corner and threw me a rope.The area is gorgeous and rewarding at any time of the year and has local tea rooms/bars.

I have been visiting and enjoying the Roaches, Hen Cloud and the surrounding Staffordshire Mooorlands area in the Peak District National Park for over 40 years. I was first introduced to the area as a 13 year old in 1973, as a school boy on a school climbing club trip.I now live in the Staffodshire Moorlands and still get the same feeling of both exilaration and contentment each time I get back.As a professional climbing instructor, it is now my priviledge to introduce others to this wonderful place. Watching the coluors of the moors and mood of the rovks change with the weather and seasons is just the best.For an unbeatable experiance, go up to the top on summers evening, smelling the sweet smell of the woods on the wsy up, sit on the top, do nothing for an hour other than watch the sun set. Pure heven.

The Roaches/ Ramshaw Rocks have been a firm favourite with our family over the years and we recently visited again for a breath of very fresh air. As we approached by car we could see the snow cloud descending and swallowing up the hill side, we drove into the cloud and the weather turned like a flick of a switch. On road parking is tight at the top end of the ridge, but there is plenty of on road space to park at the lower end near to Hen Cloud. We parked on the grassed car park at the top end (but had to push car out on our return as the ground was sodden - thanks to the passing couple who helped!!). As stated the weather was low lying thick white cloud/ snow and hard ground and intermittent snowing/sleet and very cold. Although cold in Nottingham when we set off, we could not have predicated this and the weather reports had not shown it either , so its always worth packing the right kit for every eventuality. The Ridge was atmospheric given the weather conditions with the frozen heather and cloud and fog silently blowing around the rocks and Back Forest, and Doxey pool was frozen solid! As the weather turned even further, we descended into the woodland below and it was a lovely, like a scene out of Narnia , and so quiet. We dropped down passed Hen Cloud, which could not been seen due to the weather and we continued to the road - which we followed back up to the car park. I think the distance walked was approx. 3 miles give or take and was not to strenuous. Previously we have enjoyed a hot choc and a cake in the Roaches Tea rooms following a walk but not this time, but worth a visit. We didn't see any wallabies , but apparently one was seen in Sept 2014 so they are still about. We were sent on our way with a silent acknowledgement from the 'Winking Man' , which is easily seen from the road. Remains a firm favourite and will no doubt be back in the finer weather.

If it's cold and wet there are plenty of other places to visit but when it's dry there's no place more lovely than the roaches

The Roaches are a great place to walk on a clear day at anytime of the year.The climbs are not too challenging, the core paths are well trod, but therefore easy to follow. There are also links to other areas of interest like Back Forest, Gradbach, Wincle, Luds Church and Wildboarclough making it a great base for a big walk or a weekend of walking.

Nice walk for experienced and no experienced walkers. Went to the top advise walking shoes and you will really enjoy it.

Wonderful, dramatic scenery. Lots of walking, cycling, climbing and hiking opportunities. Sprinkled with cosy country pubs. What's not to like?

This is a popular area with walkers and climbers giving spectacular views from the top,there are numerous walks around the area, parking is normally on the side of the road,there are lots of pubs in the area where you can eat following a visit . The roads can be a little tricky in winter times when it has snowed.

Enjoyable, fresh and makes you work hard! Good for the dogs and for famiies - highly recommeded and will be returning next time I am in Leek.

Just returned from a walk along the roaches, with my wife, on what must have been one of the best days of the year to do it. We parked in one of the parking spaces by the side of the road and started by going through an opening and taking the diagonal path up to the climbers hut.From the hut its a relatively short route up some steps cut into the rocks and a short meandering path before the ridge top walk is reached.With not a cloud in the sky the views that opened up before us were absolutely stunning, and seemed to get better as we continued along the ridge, with the panorama from the white trig stone the highest point on the walk stretching through 360 degrees taking in Tiddesworth reservoir, Cloud End,Jodrell Bank telescope, The Tower by the Macclesfield road and lots of other sites that we couldn't recognise. What a great place to sit with a drink of coffee and chocy bar!From the trig point it's a fairly short walk to a road that takes you back to the car or alternatively a path that branches of the road and takes you back through the trees that grow at the base of the rocks.All in all this is a walk that compares favourably to some of the best walks we've done in the Lake District over the years with the advantage that its only a short car ride from where we live.As a small footnote if when you reach the road you cross directly over and continue on the path you will eventually reach Luds Church a natural fissure in the rock that is a place of historical relevance as a place where illegal religeous ceremonies were said to have taken place.