Hiking The Roaches via Hen Cloud is one of the most famous hikes you can do in the Peak District National Park! After walking it myself, I can completely understand why! The views you get up there, are just incredible! My advice if you are planning on doing this route, pick a clear weather day. You don’t want to go up there and miss out on the incredible views over the Staffordshire hills!
The route is just over 6 miles long and easy to follow. It’s not a difficult route to walk. Good footwear is recommended as the paths can get muddy and rocks can get slippery.
Location
The walk starts and finishes on Roach Road, near Upper Hulme, Leek.
SatNav: ST13 8TY
Parking
There is roadside parking along Roach Road or a paid car park at Roaches Holiday Cottages. If you are parking along the roadside, make sure you are marked within the parking bays. If not, there’s a chance you will get a parking fine, as many cars did on the day we visited.
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldnât get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
Starting on Roach Road, next to the Roaches Holiday Cottages, head north, up the road. Very shortly, you should see a path going off to your right-hand side.
2.
Take the path and follow it, as it bends round to Roaches Hall. At Roaches Hall, there should be a path going off to your left-hand side.
3.
Take the path, and follow it to the top of Hen Cloud. At the top, enjoy the views over the Staffordshire Hills.
4.
Once you’ve finished enjoying the views, head down off Hen Cloud, following the footpath north towards The Roaches.
5.
Continue following the footpath north, over The Roaches, towards the trig point. Here, head down off the ridge, towards Roach Road.
6.
Turn towards your left-hand side, onto Roach Road. Follow the road down the valley, back to where you started the walk from. If you’re lucky, you might see some Highland Cattle along the way.
Enjoyed this walk and would like to do another walk in the Peak District, please check out some of my other walk guides:
https://livingwiththewolf.co.uk/category/peak-district-national-park/
For more information about Peak District, please visit their website:
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/home
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