Leaders
David and Steve
Description
Look out for wallabies while enjoying folklore and oatcakes amid striking Staffordshire gritstone outcrops with this six-mile walk in the Peak District National Park.
Late summer is a wonderful time of year to walk The Roaches ridgeline as it flushes purple with flowering heather.
But with such striking scenery and the opportunity for numerous wildlife encounters, this Peak District gem is well worth the visit no matter what the season.
The crags and moorland are home to a great range of wild birds; listen for red grouse chuckling in the heather and watch out for birds of prey such as buzzards and sparrowhawks. More elusive residents are Bennett’s Wallabies. During WW2 a local private zoo released its exhibits into the wild, among which were these Tasmanian marsupials, the descendants of which are still occasionally seen.
Terrain
The route follows lanes, byroads, moorland paths and woodland tracks. Expect mud and wear walking boots and warm clothing for the exposed ridge of The Roaches.
Refreshments
Bring your own drinks and sandwiches to enjoy during the walk. There is also The Roaches Tea Rooms Paddock Farm, Upper Hulme, Leek ST13 8TY
01538 300345
www.roachestearooms.co.uk
Open daily 9am-5.30pm (closes 4pm Nov-Feb)
Start Point and Time
12:00 Noon at the on road parking near the Roaches Tea Rooms (ST13 8TY)
Directions to Start
By Car: The Roaches are beside a minor road just northwest of Upper Hulme, 3 miles north of Leek off the A53. Follow signs for Tea Rooms (ST13 8TY) and park in lay-bys on the right, ½ mile past the Tea Rooms.
By Public Transport: First Bus 118 Buxton-Hanley service serves Hulme End.
Contact
Call David on 07875 275918
Cancellation
Very occasionally, due to severe weather or other serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances a note will be added to the website at least TWO hours before Start Time. So do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the Contact mobile number.