Being a millenial, I’m probably about as anti-influencer culture as you can get. There is one exception though. If I see amazing looking places on instagram , I NEED to go see those places for myself. The Roaches and Lud’s Church was no exception.
It’s rare a day goes by on Insta without seeing someone visiting Lud’s Church, and with good reason. It’s spectacular. It’s truly a hidden gem and so otherworldly that it seems bizarre that somewhere like it could be tucked away in the Peak DIstrict.
Luds Church is a stunning, mossy and emerald green chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit bedrock of the Peak District, created by a massive landslip on the hillside above Gradbach. As well as being a geologically fascinating landmark, in the Fifteenth Century it was used as a secret place for worship from those fleeing persecution. The people used this deep chasm as a church calling themselves the Lollards, followers of the early church reformer and so-called ‘heretic’, John Wycliffe.
The Roaches, managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, is nearly 400 hectacres or rugged and varied landscape with rocky crags, rock walls, forest, bogs and moorland. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) it also forms part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area, recognised for its internationally important habitats including blanket bog and upland moorland. There are also many specialist breeding and wintering birds such as curlew, red grouse and tree pipit. Loved by walkers and climbers alike, the area does have something for everyone. There’s even a trig point at the highest point, 510m above sea level.
Those looking for an additional challenge, can take on the nearby Hen Cloud standing proud and prominent at 410m at the south end of the Roaches.
Sar Lou Adventures 
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