ROACHES.

The Roaches, with Hen Cloud and Ramshaw rocks, form a gritstone escarpment which marks the south-western edge of the Peak District in the UK. 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 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. Below and to the west of the main edge is a line of small subsidiary edges known as the Five Clouds. 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. There are now none left. 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.

 

Hen Cloud.

 

 

 

Hen Cloud in the middle distance.

~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~

 

 

 

Ramshaw Rocks.

~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~

 

THE ROACHES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~