Rocky outcrops and some very boggy ground on latest walk
RISING to a height of 1,666 feet (505 metres) on the Staffordshire borders is a prominent gritstone ridge known as the Roaches (from the French ‘les roches’, meaning ‘the rocks’).
It has long been a favourite with walkers and climbers, not least with East Cheshire Ramblers who took one of their regular walks there recently, led by Frank Gay.
The curving escarpment, which extends for some 3.5 miles from Back Forest in the north west to Hen Cloud in the south, once belonged to the Swythamley family.
However, it was bought by the Peak District National Park in 1980 in order to protect its unique character and safeguard public access when the estate was broken up.
Last year it was taken over by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Before tackling the ridge the walk took in other, less well-known outcrops, such as Ramshaw Rocks – which formed a striking sight from the start point on the A53 – and was the first big challenge for the ramblers.
Frank explained first that, although the route was rocky in places, there was no serious scrambling, but some of the walkers were not convinced.
However, they were soon compensated with magnificent views over the Cheshire Plain and the Staffordshire Moors.
After heading across the moorland which was very boggy in places, the group came to the Bald Stones – a popular area with those into the branch of climbing known as bouldering.
The ramblers’ route then took them across Black Brook Nature Reserve, the habitat of curlew, short-eared owls and important moorland plants, before passing the rocky outcrop of Gib Tor.
After lunch the group had to negotiate its most challenging bog so far.
Indeed, some of the party thought that flippers would have been a good idea.
After this, the paths improved and the walkers were soon at Roach End where, after a welcome ice cream from the van, they climbed up onto the ridge for more great views, including the Wrekin in Shropshire.
For more information on East Cheshire Ramblers, visit ramblers eastcheshire.org.uk.