The Roaches & Luds Church

Nine members, including one visitor, enjoyed a very pleasant walk in almost perfect walking conditions.

We set off from the Ye Olde Rock Inn in Upper Hulme and made our way through the meadows beneath the Roaches, crossing 18 stiles of various types of dubious construction.   Having successfully negotiated two herds of cows that were blocking our way – well they do live there and have rights – we began our ascent onto the Roaches and then dropped down to Lud’s Church to enjoy the spendour and its own unique chilled micro climate.  After lunch in the nearby woods we began the ascent back onto the Roaches, enjoying both the spectacular views and the many wonderful rock formations.  Sadly no view of either Snowdonia or Winter Hill but we did get a glimpse of Jodrell Bank.  After making our way up to the trig point we continued to Doxey’s Pool but sadly the resident mermaid wasn’t on duty today.

From Doxey’s Pool we climbed down from the Roaches and then climbed up Hen Cloud before our descent into Upper Hulme.

We didn’t manage to see any wallabies – last seen in the area in the 1990’s but we did manage to have a very varied walk, in great countryside, in excellent weather conditions followed by refreshment in Ye Olde Rock Inn.  The perfect ramble!

Mileage: 10.9m

Ascent: 1668ft