Complete Guide to the Lud’s Church Walk 2023
The Lud’s Church walk is an exciting hike in the Dark Peak and Staffordshire area of the Peak District National Park.
Lud’s church, sometimes written as Ludchurch, is a deep chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit rock created by a huge landslip on the hillside of Gradbach, Staffordshire.
It is located in the Dark Peak wood named Back Forest, just west of the A53, between Leek & Buxton.
Essentially, Lud’s Church is not a church at all, but is a hidden chasm 100 metres long (328 ft), and 18 metres deep (59 ft) and was created by a giant landslip.
Noone knows when this happened, but it is thought to have been 8000 years ago. Although, there is a folklore that said that the devil scraped his fingernail into the Earth’s crust and carved out the chasm. What do you believe?
History of Lud’s Church – Why is it called Lud’s Church?
Lollardism was a proto-protestant Christian religious movement that existed between the 14th century and 16th centuries. It was headed by a man called John Wycliffe, Who, among other things, was an academic philosopher Named the followers of Lollards.
Interestingly, the deep chasm (Lud’s Church) was a secret place of worship, used by the Lollards in the 15th century. Walter de Lud Auk was captured at a meeting here and many presume this is how it got its name!
Also, it has been rumoured that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck once used it as a hiding place. In fact, the mossy chasm has many legends associated with it, which is why visiting it is one of the best short walks in the Peak District.
Another myth is that it is connected to the Green Knight as it is the location for the medieval poem by Sir Gawain. Lud’s Church in the Staffordshire Moorlands was suggested by R. W. V. Elliot as one of the key settings for the climax of the poem’s story – “The Green Chapel” – in May 1958.
“The knight takes pathways strange
Simon Corble’s translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
To seek the Chapel Green;
His cheer full oft doth change
When no such Chapel is seen.”
Whatever you believe, there’s no denying the mystery of the setting because although we visited on a hot day, the temperature soon cooled as soon as we entered, and you could feel something in the air. Weird, right?
When is the best time to go on the Lud’s Church Walk?
The Lud’s Church walk is a magical woodland walk, perfect for a sunny day if you want to have some shade or perfect for a winter’s day walk because it is not too long and it is sheltered.
There are also bluebells in the Back Forest during bluebell season in May, so if you time it right, visiting at this time will make your walk even more special.
Although, each season will bring something unique, and we cannot wait to return in the autumn to see the leaves change colours. It reminded us of walking through Padley Gorge at times. MAGIC.
However, it can be extrememly boggy after heavy rainfall, so our biggest tip would be to wesar appropriate footwear!
Undeniably, walking through Lud’s Church is a must and should have a high spot on your Peak District bucket list, whether you combine it with a longer walk to the Roaches or a trip to Buxton, you will not regret this unforgettable walk.
Lud’s Church Walk Details
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Easy
Type of walk: Circular Walk
Lud’s Church Car Park
The Lud’s Church Parking Postcode is SK17 0SU.
Remember this a rural postcode, so may not be accurate, you’re better using the Google Maps directions below for Lud’s Church parking.
For Google Maps directions, please follow: The Roaches Gradbach Car Park, which is just off the A53 between Buxton and Leek. The car park is free but small and has room for 20-25 cars (depending on how people park).
Alternatively, there are £10 a day car parks at Greensytch Farm and Dane View House (there is a donation box for the latter). There is also a large field nearby which charges £5 a day and has room for about 50 cars.
Alternatively, you could park in the Scout Camp car park – this is a good option if you want to make your walk even shorter.
Many people park on the roads; however, many people have been fined, so please be wary. Remember you should not park in any turning bays because it may impact emergency vehicles.
There is no public transport to reach the start of this walk.
Lud’s Church Walk Map
You will need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24 (White Peak) for the Lud’s Church walk. You can download this onto your phone, or you can buy a paper copy. You can get the map in shops like Go Outdoors, or you can buy them on Amazon.
Lud’s Church Weather
It is always a good idea to check the weather before you go on your walk, so that you are fully prepared.
In this case, you can check the Met Office for the Roaches.
7 Top Tips for the Lud’s Church Walk
- There is usually no signal on the Lud’s Church walk, so do not rely on your phone to navigate unless you have an offline map and even then you might come into difficulty. You can use Maps.Me/ All Trails or the OS Map.
- There are no toilet facilities at the car park, but there are some when the café is open at Gradbach Mill. It is good to know: it is only open seasonally from Easter to October, so do not rely on it.
- Unfortunately, there is no public transport that gets you to the Lud’s Church walk. Therefore, you will need a car.
- Gradbach Car Park gets full very quickly on weekends. We got the last spot at 9 am and arrived before, not to be disappointed. Or take the chance and wait for others to leave. You may be lucky! If you arrive early enough, you will be able to have Lud’s Church to yourself.
- Remember to leave no trace and take all litter home with you.
- Take water, food and snacks. There are some lovely options on this route to have a picnic.
- The Lud’s Church walk is dog friendly, but remember to clean up after them and keep them on leads adhering to the Peak District rules.
Lud’s Church Walk Directions in 10 Easy Steps
These are directions for Gradbach Car Park to Lud’s Church. Remember it is a good idea to not rely on these directions alone but use them as a guide alongside your map.
1. The start point is from the car park entrance, turn right and walk along the road up towards the Gradbach Mill entrance. You will see a small public footpath sign. Walk down the tarmac road until you reach the buildings at the bottom of the hill.
2. When you reach the Mill Yard, follow the Public Footpath signs and go through the mill complex. There are picnic benches here next to the River Dane and toilets and a cafe. Follow the path up through the gate and continue along the trail close to the river. Go through the first stone wall bearing right.
The route will be clear, and as long as you don’t deter, you will not get lost. Keep going until you reach the stone wall with a stone stile. Turn right downhill and cross the wooden footbridge over the stream.
3. From the footbridge, go straight uphill and follow the four-way sign in the direction of Swythamley Lud’s church, passing the large Beech Tree and turning right.
Keep following the wooden signs to Lud’s Church up the hill. As the path becomes even, there is a sharp left turn (still signposted) to Lud’s Church before taking it. Turn right and take in the views from the large rocks.
4. After you have enjoyed the view of the Dane Valley, take the left-hand side path following the signpost to Lud’s Church. After a wooden fence that protects a tree on your right, you will see one of the entrances to Lud’s church on your right. Take a right and go through the chasm.
The temperature is significantly colder, and the steps may be slippery. So take your time and continue down the main path. Even in summer and dry weather, some parts of the track are muddy and slippery.
5. Turn around and appreciate the views. Stay right at the fork, and you will go up some stone steps and exit the chasm. Turn left at the top and follow the path around onto a wooden boardwalk through the forest.
At the three-way sign, take the left path down, following the sign for Gradbach Roaches. At the fork, take the right trail. A signpost has fallen here, unfortunately.
6. After around 500m, take the left-hand path and follow the trail downhill in the direction of Black Brook. There is a three-way sign, and you should take a left towards Gradbach Danebridge, following the path downhill.
7. After roughly 700m, you will arrive at the stream. Please do not cross the stepping stones, despite how tempting it may be but instead follow the sign again to Gradbach Danebridge, keeping the river to your right.
Cross over the footbridge that you crossed before and continue over the stone stile.
8. You can now continue the way you came, especially if you need the toilet or fancy a coffee. Otherwise, turn right and follow the sign to Scout Camp.
Continue down the path and go through the gate. It is a public footpath, so don’t be put off by the sign.
9. Go through the gate next to the buildings. Turn sharply right through the yard, go uphill and take a left onto the narrow road. Follow the tarmac road, and you will find yourself at the entrance of Gradbach Mill again.
10. From here, continue down the road, be wary of the cars, and you find the car pro back on your left once more. Walk complete!
A walk at Lud’s Church is like being in a mystical world. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Photos do not do it justice! Let us know in the comments below if you complete the Lud’s Church walk and what you thought about it!
Alternative Lud’s Church Routes
Gradbach to Lud’s Church circular (10.5 4 hours).
Lud’s Church, The Roaches and River Dane (18.8km/ 8 hours).
You can search for these routes on All Trails for inspiration, as most walking blogs are aimed at the short Lud’s Church route.
Other Exciting Peak District walks.
You can walk to Three Shires Head from the same car park, which is excellent if you fancy a longer walk as Lud’s Church is a short Peak District walk or alternatively read our guide to The Roaches which is also nearby and you can combine Lud’s Church and the Roaches together.
Also, read our other favourite Peak District Guides below for inspiration about where to go next:
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
