About this Event
Who's up for a two-day hiking trip for outdoor-loving lasses to enjoy some of the best walking in the Staffordshire Moorland area of the Peak District National Park?! If you want to meet like-minded women, hike to some stunning places and learn about the history, geology and flora and fauna of the area, this is for you!
Level of hikes: moderate
Itinerary
Sunday: Meeting at the parking area at The Roaches Gate, Roach Rd, Leek ST13 8UA (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wKYrMWHQJG6eTdqE9 at 9am, our first day's hiking takes in The Roaches, Ramshaw Rocks and Hen Cloud - 3 glorious gritstone edges with stunning views to enjoy, as well as 3 Ethels and a trig point to bag! We will also visit the famous Lud's Church and explore Gradbach woodland. This will be a moderate route of around 14km and will take approx 4-5 hours including rest/photo stops.
We will loop back to the cars, where we grab our overnight stuff for another short walk up to our amazing accommodation - Rock Hall. This bunkhouse, also known as the Don Whillians Memorial Hut, is like no other you'll have seen before! Nestled within the rocks below The Roaches, our home for the night is steeped in history and legends. Although it offers fairly basic facilities, this will definitely be a memorable stay!
For dinner, we have the option to dine at The Olde Rock Inn about 1 mile away or use the cooking facilities at Rock Hall if you prefer to bring your own food.
Monday: Bank Holiday Monday starts with a sunrise on The Roaches (optional and weather dependent). Let’s take our first brew of the day in a flask to enjoy whilst watching the day begin!
We can then head back down to the hut to have some breakfast (or nearby Roaches Tea Room could be a delicious option for this!) and pack our kit away.
Once we have fuelled up and dressed for another day’s hiking, we’ll aim to leave at 9am and jump in the cars for a short drive to a large layby parking area on Buxton Road to begin a 10km loop to Whetstone Ridge, Three Shires Head and Dane Bower Colliery. This route ticks off an Ethel and offers a lovely wild swimming spot for anyone who likes a mid-hike dip!
We aim to complete the walk no later than 2pm where we say our goodbyes and head home.
What's included:
- Accommodation at Rock Hall
- 2 hikes guided by a qualified HML
- Free parking
- A foraging workshop
- Drinks (tea, coffee, cordial)
What's not included:
- Transport to and from the accommodation (public transport/lift shares are an option)
- Food and alcoholic drinks
Who will be your guide?
Hello everyone! I'm Emily and I’m a Hill and Moorland Leader and Content Creator based in Glossop at the edge of the Dark Peak. I’ve always been outdoorsy since being a young girl but hiking became a real obsession in 2019 when I started to go solo. I'm a mum of two and as well as enjoying the outdoors with my family, I always make time for my own hikes, runs and swims as they keep me sane! I aim to inspire other women to learn the many benefits of exploring in the outdoors and I’m passionate about sharing my love for nature with you.
About the accommodation:
Located at the Roaches in Staffordshire, the Don Whillans Hut (AKA Rock Hall) is a unique building, superbly located amongst the buttresses and boulders of this historic area. The hut is leased by the BMC and administered by a volunteer team. It is situated on the Roaches Estate, which is managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
The hut can accommodate up to 12 people, in two rooms. We have exclusive hire of the whole building. There are full cooking and dining facilities, a drying room and showers. Parking is in a lay-by approximately 400 yards away.
What to bring:
- An overnight bag for 1 nights (more info on this will be sent via email a few weeks beforehand)
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip
- Rucksack
- A water bottle or bladder (big enough to carry 2L)
- Layers suitable for the time of year
- Waterproofs
- Walking poles (optional)
- A small first aid kit with any personal medications
Safety:
I like to make hikes and courses as enjoyable as possible for everyone, so we keep a slow and steady pace. It's about taking in the views and being in nature, not about rushing to the finish line. Having said that, you are responsible for your own health and safety. If you are unsure as to whether you are fit to attend, please either consult your doctor or let me know your concerns.
Emily holds a Level 3 Outdoor First Aid Certificate so she will be on hand to deal with any emergencies.
Dogs:
I'm afraid dogs are not allowed.
Refund Policy:
No refunds. If you can no longer attend you are more than welcome to sell your ticket to someone else but please let me know if you do so.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Don Whillans Memorial Hut, Don Whillans Memorial Hut, Leek, United Kingdom
GBP 55.00
