Easy
2 hours
~5 miles
Hill Trail
Dog-friendly
The Roaches are a dramatic gritstone ridge in the south-western Peak District, near Leek in Staffordshire, known for their striking rock formations, sweeping views, and excellent walking and climbing opportunities. The name comes from the French les roches, meaning “the rocks” rather than cockroaches but it’s a fitting play on words since the protruding rocks are reminiscent of giant insects. And speaking of wildlife, the area is home to rare sightings of wallabies. The miniature kangaroos from Australia belonged to a private zoo on the Swythamley Estate but were eventually set free.
Highlights
Why go on this trail?
The Roaches walk is circular and offers access to nearby attractions like Lud’s Church. They share the same starting point, so you can extend the trail into a 3.5 hour long walk. Plus, it covers Rockhall/Don Whillans Memorial Hut Vibrant, which is a cabin built into the rocks. Vibrant purple heather starts to blossom along the hills in August but it’s mesmerising all year round. April treats you to a sea of yellow flowers down Roach Road and newborn lambs wandering around. The autumn sun hitting the hills creates a stunning glow only topped by a sunset of the west facing edge.
Preparation
Gear: Wear outdoor gear or comfortable clothing. Waterproof shoes are recommended after extended rain.
Dogs: This trail is dog-friendly. They can roam freely along The Roaches but reattach the lead on step 3 (Roach Road). Also note that the path has regular footfall so aggressive or poorly behaved dogs will need to stay on the lead.
Terrain
Elevation: The trail starts at a high elevation but is relatively flat with a few short-lived periods of steady decline and incline.
Terrain: Rock and dirt paths.
Stiles: Accessible
Local Amenities
The Roaches in the Peak District National Park is a remote location so there aren’t many facilities. Come prepared with your own supplies.
Toilets:
- Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant
Places to eat:
- Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant
Getting there
By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to get to Hazelwood Rd,
Leek, ST13 8UQ. There is limited parking on the roadside. During peak times you may need to drive along Clough Head Lane where there are many car spaces including dedicated disabled spots and start the walk from step 3.
The Roaches walk route
Step 1 - The Roaches hiking area
The corner between Hazelwood Road and Clough Head Lane is the walker’s intersection between The Roaches and Lud’s Church where you can do both walks in a figure of 8 pattern. This is an ideal place to park for both walks, on the roadside just before Hazelwood Road corners to the left. If you can’t find a space you’ll have to park further on down Clough Head Lane or Roach Road.
The Roaches Trig Point
Simply follow the linear stoned public footpath on an incline. After a short while it will level out and you’ll reach The Roaches Trig Point.
Continue straight on admiring the sweeping views of the ridge, open countryside on your right, and dark moorland on your left.
Doxey Pool
There is a mysterious crater of water called Doxey Pool formed on top of The Roaches hill. It’s been fenced off, presumably to stop swimming hazards. This is a remote area so you don’t have much access to help in a timely manner.
Step 2 - Descending The Roaches
Take note that shortly after continuing on from Doxey Pool you’ll want to go down another path to descend the hill. Along the path is Tittesworth reservoir with trees below and some rocks sticking out.
There is a semi hidden exit going off the main path to the right with steps going down. Go down and then head to the left through the trees.
Along this path there’s often climbing groups scaling the rocks.
You’ll reach this unmissable rock formation that has become a popular spot for photos of The Roaches and Hen Cloud in the distance. If you look closely at the image above there are some steps to the side going down to the right. Head down to follow the path to the left.
Don Whillans Hut
Go through the gate to check out Don Whillans Memorial Hut. The cabin built into the hills and attached to a castle-style building. It’s not for entering but there is a bench outside to take a break and enjoy the view looking towards Tittesworth reservoir. When you’re ready, continue past the hut in the same direction towards a gap in the wall.
Once through the gap, follow the path down to the right until you reach a gate. Go through and turn left to the stone wall and then right to get to Roach Road. Note: this area can get a bit boggy after extended rain so wear some waterproof shoes.
Step 3 - Roach Road
When you go out the gate onto Roach Road, turn right and walk along the side of the road (straight on in the picture above). There may be a light flow of cars, mainly just people parking for The Roaches walk as there are multiple access points from the road. Keep any dogs on the lead from this point.
Stick to the main road and go straight on, following the signpost to Royal cottage and Buxton.
Roach Road offers a more intimate walk surrounded by countryside and you can look back to your left to check out Tittesworth reservoir sitting on the border of south western Peak District in Leek.
Further up to Clough Head Lane is a waterhole and field to your right, which is a favourite spot for sheep. Look out for lambs during spring season as they are free to roam around.
Shortly after, you’ll return to the corner to Hazelwood Road where you parked your car to the right. If you go between late spring and early autumn, there is sometimes a Mr Whippy ice-cream van sitting at the start/end of your walk. Spending the day at this remote spot is a testament to the popularity of The Roaches at peak times of the year.