The Roaches Circular Walk – A Peak District Classic
View form the Roaches
The Roaches Circular Walk – A Peak District Classic
Few walks capture the drama of the Staffordshire Peak District quite like The Roaches Circular. This 6km (3.5 mile) loop offers rugged gritstone edges, sweeping views across the Cheshire Plain, and the wild, timeless character that makes the Roaches a favourite among walkers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.
The route begins with a steady climb, where twisted trees and mossy rocks create a fairy-tale atmosphere. As the trees thin, the gritstone escarpment rises dramatically ahead, its jagged edges forming one of the most iconic skylines in the Peaks. On clear days, you can spot Shutlingsloe, often called the ‘Matterhorn of Cheshire,’ and even the distant Welsh hills.
At the heart of the walk lies the Roaches Ridge, a high gritstone backbone where kestrels hover on the wind and wild rock formations mark the path. The name “Roaches” comes from the French les roches, meaning “the rocks,” a reminder of Norman influence after the Conquest. The area has long carried a sense of legend: tales tell of a monstrous man-eating cat, the “Roaches Panther,” said to roam the moor, and of Bonnie Prince Charlie passing nearby during the Jacobite rising.
Just beyond the ridge, you’ll find Doxey Pool, a small tarn tucked into the moor. Locals whisper that it is haunted by a mischievous water spirit known as “Jenny Greenteeth,” who lures the unwary into its dark waters. Whether or not you believe the stories, it’s a spot that adds a touch of mystery to the walk.
The circular route gradually descends along quieter paths, looping back through open moorland. In autumn, the bracken glows copper and after heavy rain the gritstone streams carve fresh patterns into the landscape.
Practical notes: sturdy boots are essential, as the gritstone can be slick in wet weather. Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely circuit with time for photos and exploring. Parking is available near Roach End or at the lay-bys along the approach road.
Whether you come for the history, the legends, or the sheer grandeur of the landscape, the Roaches Circular is a walk that lingers long in memory – a rugged slice of the Peak District at its best.
