A day out : The Roaches UK

Why is the Roaches so special?

Whether you’re an eager climber, an enthusiastic walker or a keen naturalist, the Roaches offers something for everyone. Its magnificent soaring rock faces and wild, heather-covered hillsides draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, and make it one of Staffordshire’s most photographed landscapes.

As well as being a popular place for recreation, the Roaches is an amazing place for wildlife. In fact, the area is protected both nationally and internationally for its wildlife and rare wild habitats. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and forming part of the South Pennine Moor Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area, the Roaches consists of numerous internationally important habitats including blanket bog and upland moorland. There are also many specialist breeding and wintering birds such as curlew, red grouse and tree pipit.

Name: The Roaches, Staffordshire Moorlands

Place type: Hill Or Mountain

Location: Grid Ref: SK 0010 6389 • X/Y co-ords: 400107, 363891 • Lat/Long: 53.17210007,-1.99987016

District: Staffordshire Moorlands

County/Unitary Authority: Staffordshire

Region: West Midlands

Country: England

Height: 501.4m

OS Explorer map: OL24: Peak District

Breathtaking views, amazing wildlife, a place to explore - the gateway to Staffordshire’s Peak District

We Made it!  ( Again ) 

The Roaches

Leek

Staffordshire

ST13 8UA

Leek

ST13 8UA (nearest)

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve : Cheshire UK.

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve,

Davenport Lane,

Brereton Heath

Congleton,

CW12 4SU

                                                             Man's best friend   

We  Call him Blade :

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve offers a variety of walks, including an easy access trail through the woodland with restful views over the lake. Look out for birds and butterflies on the way, including the bright yellow brimstones.

The park was once part of the Brereton Hall Estate and was planted with Scots pine trees. Most of these were felled during the First World War but some remain and provice valuable homes for wildlife. Silica sand was discovered in the 1950s and for the next twenty years up to 500 tonnes were extracted per day. Today the park is managed as a local nature reserve, recognising its importance for people and wildlife alike.

If you're feeling energetic, why not have a go at the permanent orienteering course? Maps are available from the Rangers at a small cost. Angling and canoeing are allowed on the lake, please contact the Rangers for details of permits. School visits are very welcome, again please contact the Rangers.

There is an on going programme of artists in residence, resulting in a variety of temporary and permanent artworks around the park.

Facilities:

Toilets are available on site, including an accessible toilet with a RADAR lock.

A refreshment van is sometimes available on site.

There is a rangers’ office and visitor centre on site from which leaflets are available.

Exploring further afield:

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve is ideal for exploring the tranquil Dane Valley. Dane Valley walk is a 7km (4.5 mile) route from Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve crossing the River Dane through to Swettenham.

Crossroads around Congleton is a challenging 32km (20 mile) ride for casual and family cyclists around Congleton.

Accessibility:

The 1.3km long. Brimstone Trail is an easy access trail through the woods and around the lake. For more details, see the Walks for All – Brereton Heath.

Opening Times

All year

Morning run in a great place for the spirit.

                        Nick Brent

                            

Peppers Coffee Lounge

Address: 22 Congleton Rd, Sandbach CW11 1HJ, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1270 760070

Victoria sponge @Omelette