A Trip to The Roaches
The Roaches is a stunning gritstone ridge that rises up from moorland close to Leek in Staffordshire, on the south west edge of the Peak District. At its highest point the ridge reaches 505m and provides spectacular views over Staffordshire, Cheshire and even into Lancashire and Wales. It’s a great place to spend a day in the Great Outdoors, with more than 975 acres of rocky upland to explore, providing a perfect escape for walkers and climbers.
The Roaches (the name comes from the French ‘les roches’, meaning the rocks) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and forms part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC). Its heather-clad moorland and blanket bog provides important habitats for a huge variety of wildlife, including birds such as curlew, red grouse and peregrine falcon.
For fantastic views, climb the stone steps to the left of a distinctive stone cottage built into the hillside (the Don Whillans Memorial Hut, run by the British Mountaineering Council), and walk left along the rocky ridge.
Look out for Doxey Pool, a tranquil, dark pool measuring approx. 15 metres x 10 metres. Although it looks serene and peaceful, according to legend it’s inhabited by a water spirit known as Jenny Greenteeth, a wicked water hag from English folklore who pulls children into the water to drown them. The story goes that Jenny fell into Doxey Pool on a foggy day whilst out walking on the top of The Roaches, and ever since has been luring unsuspecting victims to their own watery graves. If you’re not superstitious though, it makes a great spot for a picnic! (Please take your litter home with you and remember that barbecues and fires are not permitted in the Peak District.)
How do I get to The Roaches?
The Roaches are located to the west of the A53 between Buxton and Leek. The postcode of the Don Whillans Hut is ST13 8UB.
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