Nature venue

The Roaches

90 locals recommend,

Tips from locals

Katherine
October 18, 2021
The Roaches in Staffordshire is a Peak District gem; located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, it’s loved by hikers and climbers alike. The impressively rugged and steep gritstone ridge is home to mythical mermaids and 15 metre natural gritstone clefts, so this is far more than your average countryside walk. It groups together two main gritstone outcrops, 'Ramshaw Rocks' famous for the 'Winking Man' rock formation and 'Hen Cloud' offering stunning panoramic views. With panoramic scenery which, on a clear day allows you to see much of Cheshire, Winter Hill in Lancashire and even Snowdon in Wales! The mermaid, or ‘Blue Nyph’ is said to inhabit Doxey Pool, a stunning pool of water which sits on the top of the Roaches. The myth surrounding the Nyph is that she waits just under the surface, ready to grab children and pull them in! Ignore this folklore, Doxey Pool is in fact a beautiful addition to the Roaches and the surrounding landscape. Another highlight which is just a few minutes’ walk from the top of the Roaches is Lud’s Church. This deep, moss-clad gritstone chasm is filled with just as much myth and legend as Doxey Pool.
The Roaches in Staffordshire is a Peak District gem; located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir, it’s loved by hikers and climbers alike. The impressively rugged and steep gritstone ridge is home to mythical mermaids and 15 metre natural gritstone clefts, so this is far more than your average coun…
Nicola
July 17, 2021
Unusual rock formations used for climbing at Hen Cloud. The roaches are a popular walking destination a couple of miles out of Leek on the Buxton road.
Becky
June 29, 2021
Just 7 miles away and you get glorious views over the Peak District
Alison
March 11, 2021
One of the Most Beautiful natural spots. A must see.
Sue
October 20, 2020
Blow the cobwebs away with a walk to the top of the Roaches Rocks. We think that there are not many finer places to walk anywhere in the UK!

Unique things to do nearby

Deer park day out
  1. Wildlife spotting
  2. 1.5 hours

Locals also recommend

Location
England