The Roaches Walks and Route Maps

This first route is a short but wonderfully adventurous walk around the beautiful rock formations known as The Roaches. You'll start down on the road where you parked, which offers a great view in itself, before climbing up through an enchanting forest full of huge rocks that the kids will love clambering over. There is then a very steep climb up some steps to the top of The Roaches where you'll embark on a glorious loop of walking over and around the hill back to the start point. There are a lot of steep drops all around The Roaches, so please be very careful at all times on this walk. Your phone's GPS readings might be inaccurate, so keep your wits about you when following the route, and stick to the footpaths.

If you have a bit more time for your adventure in The Roaches, then this second route is a slightly longer walk than the first. It still enjoys the rocky woodland and scramble up the very steep stairs to the top, but this route then heads further along the ridge offering fantastic views before then taking you on a long loop of walking back around towards the start. There are many sheer drops around The Roaches, so please be very careful at all times. The GPS on your phone may be inaccurate at any time, so always be aware of your surroundings when following the route.

This third route is again another extension of the first and second routes, for those of you that have the time to stretch your legs a bit more. This option still enjoys the climb up into the enchanting woodland with its multiple rocks and the steep climb up onto The Roaches. However, after that you'll enjoy a long walk along the ridge of The Roaches with beautiful views to your left before eventually descending down to meet a quiet country lane. You'll then return to the start point with a long and gentle walk along the lane which offers you more wonderful views to your right as you walk. When you're climbing up The Roaches, and when you're walking along the ridge, there are some very steep drops, so please be very careful at all times. Your phone's GPS might be inaccurate, so always be aware of your surroundings when following the route.

The final route option is an epic adventure for those of you that really want to explore this fascinating area of the Peak District National Park. The walk is basically the same as the third route with the climb up onto, and then along, The Roaches and the gentle quiet country lane walk back with its wonderful views. However, there is then an additional loop of walking that takes you up into the Forest Wood where you'll navigate through Lud's Church which is a wonderful and mystical rock corridor full of deep green colours. This is a long and strenuous walk with lots of climbing so please go prepared. There are also many sheer drops throughout The Roaches, and your phone's GPS could be inaccurate at any time, so please be very careful and aware of your surroundings at all times. Note: If you want a bit more more detail on the first section of the walk as you climb up into The Roaches, use the Walk 1 route map until you get to the top.