Peak District - Lud's Church and The Roaches Wild Camping and Hike

TECHNICAL NOTE

Length: 12.4 km - 8 miles

Distance: 4 to 5 hours

Elevation gain: 500 m - 1600 feet

Route type: Circular

Ready for a little wild camping adventure?

Hop on our comfy minibus and relax while we whisk you to the Peak District for two amazing locations that offer moderate walks with plenty of rewards.

The Roaches and Lud’s Church is a circular trail in the Peak District National Park.

Lud's Church is not a physical church but a hard to find 60 ft deep chasm, penetrating the bedrock which was created by a massive landslip. It’s a foreboding place with steep and jagged rock faces covered with moss and lichen, always much cooler than the open countryside and whatever the weather there is always the sound of dripping water.

Several famous figures have sought refuge in the church which is so hard to find that most hikers miss it entirely and more than one horse rider has met their death by falling down from the earth’s surface above.

In the 15th century a group of Protestant reformers, known as Lollards, led by John Wycliffe met here in secret to escape persecution. Bonny Prince Charlie once hid here, as did Robin Hood and Friar Tuck.

Lud’s Church is said to be the home of the Green Chapel in one of the famous tales of King Arthur. In the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the stranger arrives at Camelot and challenges King Arthur’s men to take a swing at him with their axe, so long as one year later the Green Knight is allowed to return the favour.

Read the rest of this story here: https://stephenliddell.co.uk/2014/07/29/the-mysterious-lud-church-and-the-green-knight/#:~:text=In%20the%20tale%20of%20Sir,allowed%20to%20return%20the%20favour.

According to legend, Lud’s Church was said to be the home of the Devil and even today it takes a strong soul to stay out after dusk.

FEE

£68

Please join this WhatsApp group once you register:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/DC2SVQO5Dlk90zYp4g5c7O

INCLUDED IN FEE

• Minibus travel from London and back
• Guided hike
• A lovely day out with fabulous people

WHAT TO BRING:

This is the main kit. You will likely need a few more things depending on your needs, the weather and etc. We will send you a better list closer to the day.

• Hiking boots
• Hiking clothes
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm layers as it is a lot colder up north
• Smartwool socks
• Extra clothes in case you get wet
• Sleeping bag of at least 3 seasons
• Sleeping mat
• Lightweight backpacking tent - we have some to lend
• 40 to 60 litres backpack
• Refillable water bottle

Others· 

• Toiletries
• Sunglasses
• Hiking poles

MEETING POINT

Friday

7 pm

At the car park of Brent Cross Underground Station

We aim to be back in London by 5 pm or 6 at the latest so you have time to go home, change and enjoy a night out :-)

Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of traffic, so there is a small chance we will be back later.

ACCOMMODATION

Wildcamping :-)

ATTENTION:

1 - It is your responsibility to ensure you check messages on this event and private messages sent to you before the trip starts and up to the morning of the trip.

On occasions, meeting location, time and other details might have to be changed and the event could also be cancelled last minute in case of extreme weather or other unexpected events.

2 - As with any road trip, there is a chance of heavy traffic, accidents and break-downs which could force us to skip parts of the trip, or stop it completely. We will do our best to make your day better, and of course to avoid any of these, but we expect your understanding on these occasions.