Lambing time: Please keep dogs on leads. 🐑

The Roaches, Luds Church & Tittesworth Reservoir

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 13.5 miles

Park in one of the designated pull-ins just up the road from Upper Hulme. You start the walk heading uphill towards the little rock house just under the edge of the roaches then climb a set of stone steps onto the top of the ridge. From here follow the path all the way along the Roaches eventually heading off through the woods towards Gradbach and Luds Church. Take the path through Luds Church, a fantastic chasm cut out of the rock now covered in ferns and lichens, definitely a location Tolkein would be proud of! We then climb steadily out onto the moorland before heading over rolling farmland towards Tittesworth Reservoir. Take the gravel path round the reservoir then follow the minor paths towards the pretty hamlet of Upper Hulme, from here it is just a couple of miles along good paths past Dains Mill (currently being restored) and around the bottom of the impressive hill ‘Hen Cloud’.

Most of the paths on the walk are fairly rough ranging from rocks to soggy fields so good footwear is needed, there is also a lack of signage in certain areas so a map or gps would be helpful.

Further Information

The Roaches is a rocky ridge. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and paragliding. Ludd's Church is a natural rock formation on the Roaches, which resembles a small chapel. The name "Ludd's Church" is said to have come from a legend that says the area was used as a secret meeting place for the Luddites, a group of 19th century textile workers who protested against new technologies and factory conditions. The Roaches area is also famous for its geology, being part of the White Peak area of the Peak District and composed of limestone.

Tittesworth Reservoir is a man-made water body located in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking, bird watching, and fishing. The reservoir was built in the 1960s to provide a water supply for the city of Stoke-on-Trent, but it also serves as a recreational area. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and it is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and visitors who like to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The reservoir also has a Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the area, as well as a café and a gift shop.