Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Canyons
United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Staffordshire Moorlands
Leekfrith

Lud's Church

Highlight • Gorge

Lud's Church

Hiking

5.0

(577)

Mountain biking

5.0

(1)

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Save

Share

  • More

  • Location: Leekfrith, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

    Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Tips

    October 23, 2022

    Hiking

    A fabulous place to explore but it's very muddy! Apparently, the sun only shines in the chasm on midsummer's day. Keep an eye out for the Devil's Pulpit, a natural platform in the chasm from where a speech or sermon may have been given. Lud's Church is a great place to stop off on your way to The Roaches and is a short walk from the free Gradbach car park.

    August 1, 2018

    Hiking

    Legendary, mystical and often muddy!
    Combine with a walk around Danebridge and The Roaches and you won't be disappointed.

    February 5, 2019

    Hiking

    Lud's Church (sometimes written as Ludchurch) is a deep chasm penetrating the ... bedrock created by a massive landslip on the hillside above Gradbach, Staffordshire, England.
    guide_signup

    Sign up for a free komoot account to get 12 more insider tips and takes.

    Sign up for free

    Nearby routes

    Best routes near Lud's Church

    placeholder

    4.7

    (287)

    2,061

    hikers

    #1.

    The Roaches & Lud's Church loop

    12.6km

    03:39

    310m

    310m

    Embark on The Roaches & Lud's Church loop, a moderate hike that spans 7.8 miles (12.6 km) and climbs 1005 feet (306 metres) over approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes. You will experience dramatic contrasts, starting with the rugged gritstone ridge of The Roaches, which offers wide-open views across the landscape. As you continue, the route descends into ancient woodlands, leading you to the unique, moss-covered chasm of Lud's Church. This deep gorge feels like stepping into a different world, with its cool, green walls.

    Prepare for varied terrain on this route. The path up onto The Roaches can be steep and rocky, and you might encounter sections that require some light scrambling. Within Lud's Church, the paths can be very muddy, even with wooden walkways in place, so be sure to wear suitable waterproof footwear. The trail is generally well-signposted, making navigation straightforward as you explore.

    This circular walk is notable for its striking geological features, showcasing the gritstone formations of the Peak District. The Roaches ridge provides a stark contrast to the hidden, atmospheric gorge of Lud's Church. This unique chasm is steeped in local folklore and offers a distinct microclimate within its lush, green walls. It is a popular destination for those seeking both expansive views and mysterious natural wonders.

    Navigate with device

    Send to Phone

    Moderate
    placeholder

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Hard
    placeholder

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 340 m

    Weather

    Powered by Foreca

    Saturday 6 June

    16°C

    9°C

    36 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

    Most visited during

    January

    February

    March

    April

    May

    June

    July

    August

    September

    October

    November

    December

    Location: Leekfrith, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

    Other Popular Places to Check Out

    Hanging Rock Outcrop, The Roaches

    Explore
    RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
    Download the app
    Follow Us on Socials

    © komoot GmbH

    Privacy Policy