The Roaches, Peak district, The UK

The Roaches, Peak district, The UK

The Peak District is an upland area in England at the southern end of the Pennines. It is mostly in northern Derbyshire, but also includes parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. An area of great diversity, it is split into the northern Dark Peak, where most of the moorland is found and the geology is gritstone, and the southern White Peak, where most of the population lives and the geology is mainly limestone. The South West Peak is recognised as a third area with landscapes similar to both the Dark Peak and White Peak.

The Roaches, with Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks, form a gritstone escarpment which marks the south-western edge of the Peak. Best viewed from the approach along the Leek road, they stand as a line of silent sentinels guarding the entrance to the Peak District, worn into fantastic shapes by the elements. 

The Roaches Lower Tier

The Roaches Lower Tier The area is one of rock and heather which once belonged to the Swythamley Estate. Following the break up of this estate, the area including the Roaches and Hen Cloud (an area of 975 acres) was purchased in 1980 by the Peak District National Park Authority in order to protect this unique area and guarantee access for the public.

Hen Cloud is an impressive, solitary edge which rises steeply from the ground below. The Roaches themselves have a gentler approach and actually consist of two edges, a Lower and Upper tier, with a set of rock-steps connecting them. Built into the rocks of the Lower Tier is Rock Cottage, a tiny primitive cottage which was once the gamekeeper's residence and has now been converted into a climbing hut. Below and to the west of the main edge is a line of small subsidiary edges known as the Five Clouds.

Ramshaw Rocks

Ramshaw Rocks The area was once famous for its wallabies. These were released in World War II from a private zoo at Swythamley and managed to breed and survive until the late 1990s, when the last survivors seem to have disappeared.

The whole area is a favourite place with walkers and rock-climbers, and the edges provide some of the best gritstone climbing in the country, with famous classic routes such as Valkyrie, the Sloth and The Swan. In some ways the area has become a victim of its own popularity for the area is very busy at weekends. 

                                                                        Roaches Hall

The Peak District is an upland area in England at the southern end of the Pennines. It is mostly in northern Derbyshire, but also includes parts of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. An area of great diversity, it is split into the northern Dark Peak, where most of the moorland is found and the geology is gritstone, and the southern White Peak, where most of the population lives and the geology is mainly limestone. The South West Peak is recognised as a third area with landscapes similar to both the Dark Peak and White Peak.

                                                        The Roaches Tea rooms 

Tea Rooms Conservatory

The Award Winning Roaches Tea Rooms serves a range of teas including herbal and green teas, freshly ground coffees using ethically sourced coffee beans, scrumptous homemade cakes, cream teas (our homemade scones are second to none!) and delicious desserts. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or something more filling, we prepare traditional and speciality homemade meals for you, from Staffordshire Oatcakes to Sunday Roast Lunches! Our Paddock and Garden (vegetarian) Breakfasts are freshly cooked  and will set you up for the day.  Wherever possible we source our produce locally.  We are happy to cater for all food allergies and intolerances where possible and have an extensive Gluten Free Menu. We have a selection of wines and beers for you to enjoy as well as a large range of soft drinks to quench your thirst!