The Roaches at Dawn | Run along the ridge at the Roaches near Leek in Staffordshire

Today on Run Adventurer we’re near Leek in Staffordshire for a run up the Roaches. Starting the Roaches UKC Parking lay-by on Roach road we climb up onto the gritstone escarpment. The rocky ridge climbs to 1657 feet at its highest point at provides spectacular views across Staffordshire and Cheshire. We start at an elevation of 1090 feet so whilst it is a climb up to the top, its not too severe. Just be aware you are high up and its exposed and the weather can be changeable so make sure you are dressed correctly for the occasion. If you’re running you do need to be careful as the surface is uneven with lumps of Roaches Grit of all shapes and sizes strewn about, worth it though, it feels like you have been transported to middle earth, I half expected an elf and some hobbits to appear at any moment.

The Route

Starting from Roaches road, head through the gate and up the track, ignore the first couple of turn offs to your left, head through the next gate, around to the left and then turn left climbing up for a fantastic view below the ridge, head through the woods passing massive blocks of gritstone and then turn right on the path up onto the ridge where we turn left. Just follow the ridge, passing Doxey pool and on to the trig point before winding your way down to the far end at Roach End. Turn right and along the road, you will eventually reach a cattle grid, after the grid take the drive on your right.and onto the path to the left of the track by the farm. Follow the path, when you reach a gate on your right go through it and down the track, the path goes right at the next gate. Follow the path which takes you back to the starting point.