Wild Walks Netwalking - Lud's Church & The Roaches, Peak District

Join us as we get out into the spring sunshine and leave the office behind for a few hours and take networking to new levels in the beautiful Peak District!

We will meet at Gradbach Car Park at 9:45am for a 10am start and we’ll walk through the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands area of the Peak District, through Lud's Church - a deep, gritstone chasm in the woods, steeped in history, myths and legends.

We'll then enjoy a walk through the beautiful Back Forest before heading to The Roaches trigpoint to enjoy some spectacular views. On a clear day, we can even make out Jodrell Bank Observatory from the vantage point!

It’s a chance to explore new ideas, get tips and inspiration from other business owners. I’ll have my talking points to encourage you to get creative (only if we need them, last time we just let the conversation flow!)

The hike itself will be led by Emily Taylor from Peak Outdoor Coaching, a Hill and Moorland Leader based in Glossop at the edge of the Dark Peak. So we’ll be in safe hands!

You bring a packed lunch and a flask, I’ll bring the baked goods!

Distance: 4.5 miles/7km

Level: Easy/Moderate: suitable for beginners but there are some steep and uneven ground that may be slippery following rainfall.

Elevation: 500ft

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Transport:

We'll be meeting at the Gradbach Carpark, Gradbach, Buxton SK17 0SU (Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zbZf6d9jHAfZFC7w6), where it is free to park. We will meet at 9.45am with an aim to leave at 10am.

What to bring:

• Hiking boots/trainers with good grip
• Snacks/lunch
• Rucksack
• Water (at least 1L)
• Waterproofs
• Warm layers
• Hat and gloves
• Walking poles (optional)
• A small first aid kit with any personal medications

Terrain:

Mostly easy trails and footpaths with a couple of short, easy hills to climb. Lud's Church itself does have some rocky steps in and out of it, which can be slippery when wet so we will take extra care there.

Toilets:

There are no toilets at the car park but there are some around 10 minutes into the walk. I can point out discreet 'wild wee' spots throughout the walk if needed!

Safety:

The whole point of our walks is that they are enjoyable and memorable experiences for everyone so we will keep to a slow and steady pace. It's about taking in the views, learning about the history and geology of the area and being in nature, not about rushing to the finish line.

Having said that, you are responsible for your own health and safety and with all outdoor activities, there can be risks involved. If you are unsure as to whether you are fit to come on this walk, please either consult your doctor or let us know your concerns.

Please inform us of any medical conditions prior to the walk. Every participant MUST complete this Medical & Disclaimer Form a minimum of 24 hours before the event begins.

Our leaders are qualified Hill and Moorland Leaders and level 3 Outdoor First Aid trained so they will be on hand in case of an emergency.

Dogs:

Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to come along, but they will need to be kept on a short lead for the majority of the walk. There are also stiles on this route.