What a lovely place but Gradback car park is a disgrace. There is only a few spaces in the car park and gets messy during busy periods. It's about a 2 hr walk from the car park to the roaches (with a few breaks) but the views from the top are breathtaking. Would I visit again.? Definitely!!!
Easy to follow walking routes, stunning views, unusual rock formations, great for children to scramble. But take care to park only within the marked areas. Parking Restrictions are rigorously enforced and some parking places are outside of the 'approved area'. Appeals are a waste of time they are summarily dismissed
STUNNING! Parked in the car park near by to complete a circular route across the roaches and hens cloud. Very easy to follow route and accessible. Do need to be careful when it’s wet as the rocks can be slippery. Would recommend wearing appropriate footwear no matter what the weather is like. Can get busy so just bear that in mind.
Really scenic place to visit with amazing views! Can be done as a circular walk starting at hen cloud next to the tea room all the way across hen cloud and onto the roaches to the road at the end, then follow the road back to the starting point. 100% recommend!
Great views from up here. It is just nice to climb a rock and be there contemplating the infinite view of the horizon. It was great fun doing this trail, it can be challenging but everybody can do it, at their own pace. Bring appropriate footwear, water and snacks. Highly recommended.
Loved it. Great for bouldering. Saw lots of climbers. Follow the path and it’s not too difficult. Great views. Can get super windy and smooth rocks make for a slippery underfoot. Good footwear essential.
Great walking trails! Best part is that they are paved enough for elderly to walk up quite a bit at a slower pace. Beautiful view from the rocks of the valley and reservoir and a lovely drive as well. Would recommend for everyone.
Been coming here for thirty years and it never dissapoints whatever the weather. Seen it in snow, and yep it's a little dangerous with the ice. Seen it in the driving rain and it looked epic against the angry sky... But today its was 30 degrees with zero wind and still amazing. On a clear day you can see the Wreekin by the Severn River, an old extinct volcano. Joderall Bank radio telescope and the hills behind Manchester and all the way to the power station in the entrance to Liverpool. The views are just everywhere... When it's a clear day. Parking is reasonable and you can attack the hills from either end or the middle. One end is Han Cloud, the other Luds Church Woods. To walk the whole length will take a good day's trek unless you get picked up at the other end. Circular walk is a good 5-6 hours to see everything. Stick to the well worn paths but even then don't take your eyes off it. Keep dogs and kids close, the drops are sudden and unmarked. This is wild, often open and unstable under foot, it is not like Mam Torr where the paths are managed. The best route goes up through the wood below the rocks, follow the paths past Duggies Hut, go left and follow the steps and dusty path. Three sets of steps will get you to the top level of rocks. Then either turn right towards Hen Cloud for a shorter walk or left to go to the top and Doxies pool and on to the other woods and Luds Church. Enjoy. Stay safe.
One of my favourite places in the UK to come walking, scrambling or climbing. The roaches are lovely any time of the year be it on a blazing hot summer day or a cold winters day. The views from the top over looking the Staffordshire moorlands ate as good as you will find anywhere in the UK. The scrambling and bouldering ( on the lower section ) have a great variety and the climbing is as good at It gets with granite rock. Please do take ALL your litter home and wear sensible footwear, the paths are rocky and a twisted ankle is easy to do. They have started to repair some of the paths to avoid corrosion so please stick to the paths. Visit and enjoy and watch your footing near the edge its a long way dowwwwn
One of my favourite places in the whole world. Stunning views all around. Great walks for different abilities and distances. Parking can be tricky due to obviously being a rural place. But, some people park very inconsiderately and can make passing the roads a bit difficult at times. The paths are easy to follow despite where you go. You can head up to the trig point at the top, over to Doxey Pool, down to Lud's Church, all around to Gradbach or Danebridge and the paths remain easy to follow.
You can find directions to The Roaches by following this map link