A Guide to The Roaches Walk and Hens Cloud
The Roaches Walk is one of the best and well-known short Peak District walks in the United Kingdom. The circular walk involves climbing up to Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks, passing by Doxey Pool and then along to the Roaches on a ridge to the Roaches Trig Point, before dropping down and returning via Roach Road.
The Roaches Peak District lies at 505m above sea level, and because of this, if you are lucky to visit on a clear day, you will have fabulous views over Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir.
Nearby there is the mystical chasm of Lud’s Church. We did not add this to the walk because we have been before from Gradbach; however, it is easy to add on to this walk through the magical Back Forest.
If you only want to walk to Lud’s Church, you can read our helpful guide here.
Also, the Roaches is known as a popular rock-climbing location, and we saw plenty on our route. It is also said that there are or once were wallabies roaming the area after a private zoo during WW2 released them. However, we can confirm no sightings. There are Red Grouse and other exciting wildlife to see in the area though.
The name ‘the Roaches’ comes from the French word ‘roches’, which you guessed it – means ‘rocks’. These rocks have legends behind them, and we began to recognise specific shapes and discussed what they could be – we recommend you play this game. The rocks are unusual!
We found the Roaches walk slightly quieter than other walks we have done in the Peak District, and we only passed a large family at the beginning and a few Duke of Edinburgh students, despite it being a Sunday! It was a pleasant surprise after the Three Shires Head walk we had done a couple of weeks earlier. However, we could have been lucky this time!
The Roaches Circular Walk Details
Total Walking Time: 2 hours -3 hours
Distance: 7.5km (4.6 miles)
Elevation: 278m
Highest Point: 505m/1,657 ft
The Roaches Walk Route Type: circular walk
Trigs: 1 – The Roaches
The Roaches Walk Map
Use or download the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area) for walking The Roaches.
The Grid reference for the walk is SK 004 622
How to Get to the Roaches Walk
By Car – you can reach the start of the Roaches walk from the A53. You can park on Roach Road, which is 5 miles from Leek and 11 miles from Buxton. From Buxton, take the turning for Upper Hulme and drive through where you will see the laybys with parking signs on your right.
By Public Transport – the nearest train station is Buxton (10 miles) away, and then from here, you can catch the number 16 service near the start of the walk. Look at the D&G bus website for an up to date timetable.
The Roaches Car Park
The Roaches walk parking is free in the laybys about 0.5 miles away from the Roaches Tea Rooms. Some signs politely ask you to only park within the marked parking areas and that there is ‘enforcement in operation’.
Compared to ‘The Roaches’ car park in Gradbach, there are more spaces here, so as long as you do not arrive too late in the morning, you should be able to find a spot.
Remember, do not park in the turning bays. It is a single lane road, and you could cause a lot of problems, especially if emergency vehicles needed to get through. .
For Google Maps, you should follow the directions to The Roaches UKC Parking. It is on Roach Road, Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 8UA. Please remember that the postcode is rural, so you are better of following the Google Maps directions instead.
Alternatively, you can park in the Roaches Tea Room for £2 all day. It is an excellent option if you want to use the toilet or plan on going to the Tea Room anyway. You also do not have to worry about getting there early to beat the rush if you park here.
The Roaches Peak District Walk Weather Forecast
For up to date weather, to ensure you are prepared for your walk you can search The Roaches Peak District forecast here.
Top Tips for the Roaches Walk
- The ridge on the Roaches is exposed, so make sure you wear appropriate clothes before you go.
- Wear walking boots if you have them; the Roaches Peak District walk may be muddy in places.
- There are no public toilets on this walk but there are some in the Roaches Tea room (if you are a customer).
- The first section is a steep climb up to Hens cloud and can be difficult if you have mobility issues. However, you can opt to skip this part and head up to Doxey Pool instead, which is still a climb but not as steep.
- The walk is dog friendly but remember to keep them on leads, especially between April and the end of July because the birds are nesting.
When is the best time to go on the Roaches Peak District Walk?
If you have read our other Peak District walks, you will know how much we love the heather season in the Peak District. Therefore whenever anyone asks us, we always reply with late August to early September to see the carpet of purple!
However, the Roaches walk is short, which means you can complete it at any time of the year. It looks beautiful in the snow, but you will have spectacular Peak District views if you come on a clear day!
During April, May and June, the Trust, as well as Peak District National Park Authority, will allow visitors to take close-up views of nesting birds with the assistance of national park rangers as local volunteers.
How long is The Roaches walk?
The Roaches circular walk is roughly 7.5km or 4.6 miles long and it usually takes betwen 2 and 3 hours to complete. Of course, this will depend on fitness levels, mobility, rest time and photo breaks!
About the Roaches
In May 2013, the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust began its 125-year lease on the Roaches, which is a stunning 975-acre nature reserve. They pledged to rncourage appreciation and understanding of Roaches and make sure that it is an enjoyable place to visit and to protect its wildlife.
The stunning soaring rock faces and wild landscapes covered in heather draw tens of thousands of visitors annually, making it one of the most photographed landscapes in Staffordshire.
What wildlife can I see at the Roaches?
The Roaches are a fantastic spot for wildlife and the region is protected internationally and nationally because of its wildlife and unique habitats for wild animals.
The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an integral part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area.
The Roaches comprise several important habitats that are internationally significant, such as blanket bogs and moorland upland. There are many species of wintering and breeding birds, such as red grouse, curlew, and tree pipit.
You should also keep an eye on peregrines in the vicinity while exploring. The large falcons are considered to be one of the most agile birds living on earth, speeding up to 124mph while hunting for prey. They live on the rocky rocks of the estate.
The Roaches Walk Directions
We have put together the Roaches walk directions in 4 easy stages with clear points of interest to help navigate the Roaches walk.
Disclaimer: remember, these directions should not be relied on alone. It would help if you had your map and idea of where to go before you set off. Again, we can recommend the OS Map or the All Trails App to help navigate.
Stage 1: From Roach Road to Hen Cloud
Park in one of the laybys, from here walk along Roach Road in the direction of the Roaches Tea Rooms and the Roaches Hall sign. You will have Tittesworth Reservoir on your right, and depending on where you park, you will be able to see Hen Cloud. You are going up here!
Remember you’re walking on a road, so be careful of cars zooming past!
Turn left when you get to the sign for Roaches Hall and go through a small wooden gate next to the cattle grid. Following the Public Footpath sign along a gravel road that begins to curve around Hen Cloud.
After roughly 300m, you will see a grassy secondary path on your left. Take this one and go uphill towards Hen Cloud. Do not continue on the gravel path, and get ready for a steep climb up! There are rocks for grip, but it’s still muddy, so watch your footing!
There are certain times when you will have to scramble towards the top, and you may need to use your hands to lift yourself. It is doable, but it is something to consider before heading up! Alternatively, you can continue on the track and take a gradual route up.
Stage 2: Hen Cloud to Doxey Pool
When you reach the top, you will have rocks on both sides. There’s an accessible lookout on your left over valley and another on your right. We think that these are some of the best views in the Peak District with exceptional views over the neighbouring counties.
Continue down the straightforward path in front of you. The process of erosion has been creative in some of the rock formations. Can you see the human’s face in one of them? What a big nose!
You will go through a small wooden gate into a field, followed by another small wooden gate, where you will start climbing up through the rocks you can see in front of you.
When you reach the large group of rocks, you will see a stone wall, continue through the gap in the wall and walk up and follow the path right. Be careful not to take the path down here.
Navigate through the large boulders and keep on the path that will take you through the trees. The ridge will be on your right. These rocks are a popular spot for climbers. Maybe you will see some!
At the fork, there are two paths – one that goes east and one path west. Take the path that goes east (on your right), and head uphill to walk between two large rock formations.
At the top, turn left and continue walking up along the ridge to follow a stony path. You will reach Doxey Pool, which has an interesting local legend behind it. It is said that Jenny Greenteeth, an evil mermaid that sings over the ridge and wants to trick unknown hikers, occupies this dark pool.
You’ll have to make up your mind about this legend – is it more likely to see Jenny or the wallabies?
Stage 3: Doxey Pool to The Roaches Trig Point
After continue straight along the path, with Doxey Pool to your left, or you can make a right curve around the pool and will reach the main trail again.
Continue through the gap in the stone wall and walk along the ridge heading towards The Roaches Peak District. You will eventually see a Trig Point and will be at the top of the Roaches. The path to reach it is easy to navigate.
After the Trig Point, head down the path towards the other rock formations of Roach End. These rocks have pretty cool shapes too! From the rocks, follow the path downhill, where you will reach a stone wall and continue down the well made stone-paved path.
Stage 4: The Roaches to Roach Road
When you reach the minor road, you can continue to head to Lud’s Church to extend your walk. You can follow the All Trails route, which is pretty straightforward and loops back to the same track as below.
Alternatively, when you reach Roach Road, turn left, go over the cattle grid and walk down the sealed tarmac road. It is easy and downhill from now.
The road is shared with cyclists, and there is the odd car. Watch where you’re going and be alert. The route from here is easy to follow, don’t turn off any of the lanes and enjoy the view.
Go past Spring Cottage, where there are some highland coos. Then search for your car because you’re almost back!
The Roaches Walk is complete! Well done!
Facilities Nearby The Roaches Walk
Flash Café for amazing views.
The award winning Roaches Tea Room to try the Staffordshire Oatcakes ( They also have plant-based menu options or vegetarian or vegan friendly options)
Winking Man Pub for some pub food and a rewarding pint.
Other Peak District Walks Nearby:
Read our guides to the following for your next Peak District walk:
Three Shires Head
Thor’s Cave
Lud’s Church
Mam Tor
Kinder Scout
Ladybower Reservoir
We have lots of guides and routes for Peak District walking to check out and get inspiration from: Peak District National Park Walks.
Happy Hiking!
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