The Roaches and Lud’s Church (14th October)

Saturday 14th October, with Harry.

 Lovely sunrise, swallowed rapidly by mist, which then flowed pink from time to time - all in half an hour or so. Temperature rather colder. 

The weather brightened rapidly, so we got ourselves organised and on the road. 

Great walk from Upper Hulme Paddock Farm Tea room (park in lay-by opposite) We arrived just after 9. and and were walking at 9.16.

Over the Roaches via path from the road, below Hen Cloud. 

We reached the trig point just after 10 am.

A convenient bench was a good place to stop for coffee at Roach End. 

then along the ridge following signs to  Swythamley.

Later we turned down into Back Forest to Lud’s Church.  

. 

We followed the path back to Roach End again,

and decided to walk along the ridge once more, rather than take the road.

We paused for lunch with a view.  Soon afterwards came a few drops of rain and a rainbow,

Not long after we reached low ground there was a mighty hailstorm.

Somewhere between 8 and 9 miles,with around 1200 feet of climbing. Great combo walk. We decided to head ‘home’ rather than to the Tea room, as we were soaking. 

 

It has hailed again since we got back, so I’ve rinsed out my soaking socks, and stuffed my boots with old newspapers. Tomorrow we head for ‘home home’. Reluctantly. 

Gradbach to Lud’s Church

 Tuesday 26th September, with Harry.  Three and a half miles wander with 480 feet of ascent mainly on woodland paths, some of which were a tad muddy. 

We followed signs from the car park at Gradbach, which was busy at lunch time on a September Tuesday.  We walked along the road to our right coming from the car park, and turn to go past the Mill, whose cafe is open only at weekends, close to the scout camping area.

No detailed directions here as we meandered a little, but the place is well worth a visit with its dramatic walls covered in mosses and ferns, lush green and damp at the moment.

Lud’s Church is 18 metres deep and 100 metres long. it was used as a secret place for worship by the Lollards, followers of John Wycliffe who were persecuted in the fifteenth century. There is also the story that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck once used it as a hiding place from the authorities.

It has been suggested as the location inspiring the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.