The Roaches

Date: 7th pril 2007

The walk ahead.

On the top of Hen Cloud.

At the trig. point on the Roaches.

Walk stats: Distance: 13.6 miles; Climb: 2430'; Time: 6 hours 4 minutes; Speed: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Tito, Fran, Dave J, Celia, Richard and Martyn.

This very popular walk was completed on a glorious sunny day. Dave Berry has "delightful", I think mine will be "glorious"! Starting from Tittesworth Reservoir adds quite a bit to the walk, and the last part along the road from Roaches End is somewhat tedious for tired feet1 Perhaps next time I will have to consider parking on the roadside just below the Hen Cloud or the Roaches.

Virtually the whole walk was completed in sunshine, and although the views were extensive, they were a little hazy in the distance. This ridge top walk gets better and better once the crowds around the Roaches have been left. The feeling of being on the top of the world is as good as it gets in the Peak District. Lunch was taken at the Hanging Stone rocks about half a mile short of Danebridge. Rum enhanced fruit cake and special chocolates were appreciated by all!. The return route also went through Lud's Church. On this occasion quite crowded with visitors, including one school party.

The only bird of note along the river was a grey-wagtail. Skylarks were frequently heard singing. Green woodpeckers were also heard on three occasions, and on the way back a grouse was heard calling. We did hear a bird of prey, but its call wasn't that distinctive. However the bird sighting of the day was two swallows around the barns at Windygates Farm, the first of the year. One swallow doesn't make a Summer, but we've seen two! So Summer must be here!

After walk birthday celebrations involved a tradition trip to the Whim Ales Mecca at Leek. Hartington Bitter at the Wilkes Head was in fine form, and although there had been some improvement in decor, some people would say it is in need of a little more. Others would say its the beer that counts!