The Roaches and Hen Cloud

The Roaches and Hen Cloud form a dramatic gritstone edge rising above the Staffordshire Moorlands northeast of Leek, delivering some of the most striking walking scenery in the Peak District fringe. The 7.2 km circular follows the full length of the Roaches ridge with its towering wind-sculpted rock formations — including Doxey Pool, a dark moorland tarn steeped in mermaid legend — before dropping to cross the col and climbing the steep, compact summit of Hen Cloud. The 342 metres of elevation gain comes in distinct bursts rather than sustained climbing, and the rocky paths along the ridge top give the walk a scrambling quality that feels more adventurous than the moderate grading suggests. Views extend across the Staffordshire plains to the west and into the Dark Peak to the north.

This dog friendly walk offers varied terrain that keeps dogs engaged throughout — gritstone slabs, heather moorland, grassy descents and rocky scrambles all feature within a single circuit. Off-lead potential is limited due to livestock grazing on the lower slopes and the exposed cliff edges along the ridge requiring careful management. The Hen Cloud ascent is steep and rocky, so dogs need to be comfortable with hands-on-rock sections where you may need to assist them. The moorland sections carry good scent, and the rock formations create sheltered spots out of the wind for rest stops. Parking at the roadside layby on the Roaches road fills early on weekends, so an early start is worthwhile.