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The Lud’s church walk is one of our top picks for the south Peak District in 2026. The Lud’s church walk itself has a rich variety of changing scenery. Expect open moorlands, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, woodland forest trails and of course the deep dramatic Lud’s church chasm.
As you stroll through the woodlands near Lud’s church there seems to be no sign of any unusual landform. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d gone to the wrong place until you are practically on top of it. Suddenly the woodland floor appears to open up before your eyes and you find some steep steps leading down into the rocky labyrinth.
Lud’s church is a place that inspires your imagination and lingers in your dreams as the entrance to a world of mysterious fairy tales. This really is a great place for adults and children alike. The footpath leads through the bottom of the chasm allowing you to look straight up at roots and trees over your head and take some otherworldly selfies.
In this epic guide we recommend three routes to enjoy the Lud’s church walk. There is the short route if you’re more interested in seeing Lud’s church than walking too far. There is a medium route which allows you to also visit the Roaches. And for the avid walkers we have suggested a long route so you can see and experience the main sights of the area.
Looking for more Peak District walks? Don’t miss our Peak District Family walks ultimate guide.
What is Lud’s church?
Lud’s church is a deep dark damp chasm around 8km southeast of Macclesfield in the Peak District. Don’t be mislead by the name – this is a natural cleft in the rocks and you wont find a church building here. Lud’s church has a footpath leading through the bottom of the chasm enabling you to look up the steep moss covered cliff sides to the woodland above.
Although it is not clear exactly where Lud’s church acquired its name it does seem fitting to imagine the technologically averse Luddites meeting for church in such a natural wonder. Lud’s church also has a place of honour in Folklore; it is thought to be the setting of the culmination of the Medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
How long is the walk to Lud’s Church?
The shortest and most direct walk to Lud’s church starts in Gradbach car park near the river Dane. From the Gradbach car park the total return route is around 3km in length and will take around 45 minutes walking. Allow plenty of additional time to enjoy the remarkable landscape and snap the all important insta shots. Alternatively, if you wish to take a stroll up onto the Roaches (a hillside ridge with fascinating rocks) as well as seeing Lud’s church, we recommend parking on the bend near Bearstone rock and the Roaches school. This walk is around 7.5km in length depending how far you go along the Roaches path. You can also plan longer walks in the area – such as our 10km round route.
Can you take dogs to Lud’s Church?
Yes! And your dog will love the Lud’s church walk as much as you. Lud’s church is a great spot for dog walkers. Remember that there are farms in the area and at certain times of year it is important to keep dogs on leads.
Best time to visit Lud’s church?
The Lud’s church walk is great any time of the year. As an amazing beauty spot you are likely to see other people there, but Lud’s church rarely gets busy due to its remote location. A visit during a spell of summer good weather is best. We recommend visiting in good light due to the uneven rocky path. During rainy periods or in icy and snowy weather the path along Lud’s church can be slippery.
Do you have to pay to visit Lud’s church?
No you don’t have to pay to visit Lud’s church. Lud’s church is a free attraction and is open to visit any time. You do not need to buy any tickets, passes or permits to visit Lud’s church. You only need to find transport to access the remote location and be willing to walk a little to get there.
How do you get to Lud’s church?
Due to the remote nature of the area it is not possible to get to Lud’s church by public transport. You can drive to several great starting points near Lud’s church for a walk. Gradbach is the closest and easiest place to start you walk from. Alternatively you can park near The Roaches School – a great point to see both Lud’s church and the Roaches. If you want to explore the river Dane park in Danebridge.
Can you buy food and drinks near Lud’s church?
You cannot buy food and drink near Lud’s church so we recommend bringing food and drinks along with you. The closest place to buy meals and drinks is at the Ship Inn in Dane Bridge village. Alternatively check out the Winking Man on the side of the A53 (yep that’s a pub and not a creepy guy)
Is the Lud’s church walk suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Lud’s church walk is a great walk for families with children of any age. If you have young children or toddlers we recommend parking at Gradbach and doing the short 3km route (route 1 in this guide) due to the shorter distance. The Lud’s church walk is not suitable for prams and pushchairs. We recommend caution in Lud’s church chasm itself due to the uneven rocky terrain and steep steps at the top of the chasm.
Lud’s church THREE amazing walking routes – which route is for you?
To help you plan your Lud’s church walk we have suggested three routes – there’s something for everyone. Route 1: This is the super simple short NO nonsense route (3km) – walk straight to Lud’s church and back from Gradbach. Route 2 is ideal if you would like to see the best sights in the area – Lud’s church and the Roaches. With this route you need to walk a bit further (7.5km). If it’s walking you enjoy we have also suggested a 10km round walk which also goes into Dane Bridge and follows the river Dane. We have included super helpful route maps and route descriptions to help you along the way.
ROUTE 1 Lud’s church walk – 3km simple return route
- Highlights: Lud’s church and the river Dane
- Difficulty: Easy due to the short distance
- Route Type: Back and forth route
- Distance: 3km / 2 miles
- How long does it take to walk? 45 minutes – 1 hour walking time
- Start location: Carpark or layby in Gradbach near the Scout camp and Gradbach Mill hotel
- GPS coordinates 53.19227, -2.00857
- Terrain and Accessibility: Woodland trails and some steep sections. Lud’s church itself has a muddy path through the bottom including some uneven rocks and steep steps.
This is a lovely little walk to a remarkable landmark in the south Peak District National Park. Start by parking in Gradbach. Walk along the road towards the Gradbach Mill hotel towards the Dane valley. Follow the footpath opposite to the hotel that runs along the side of the River Dane. Cross the bridge over Black Brook and follow the path through the woods up towards Lud’s church. Around 500m after the bridge keep your eye open for a sharp left turn (almost back on yourself). This turn leads up to Lud’s church. The route leads to the bottom of Lud’s church. As you follow the path up, explore the rocky labyrinth until you reach the steps at the top of Lud’s church. It’s well worth walking to the top of the steps to get a view back into the chasm from the top. To complete the Lud’s church walk just retrace your steps back to Gradbach.
ROUTE 2 Lud’s church and the Roaches walk – 7.5km return route
- Highlights: Views and interesting rock forms on the Roaches and the dramatic Lud’s church
- Difficulty: Medium
- Route Type: Back and forth route twice over
- Distance: 7.5km (can be reduced a little if you want to take a shorter walk along the Roaches section)
- How long does it take to walk? Around 2 hours
- Start location: This Lud’s church walk starts at the roadside parking on the bend near The Roaches School
- GPS 53.17746, -2.00782
- Terrain and Accessibility: Steep rocky paths and stiles – not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Park at the roadside near The Roaches School. There is normally space for cars to pull in on the side of the road near the start of the trail of just slightly down the hill and round the bend.
This is the best Lud’s church walk for seeing the variety of scenery the area has to offer. Start by walking up the hill towards the Roaches. This is a steep section of path and the terrain is fairly uneven. The path leads along a ridge with great views of the surrounding countryside.
Watch out for fascinating rock shapes formed by physical weathering in this exposed location. After around 1km you will reach the trig point. You could turn back at this point or continue following the public footpath along the ridge.
After a further 1.5km (approximately) you will see a small pool to the left called Doxy pool. At this point return along the route to the parking place. Once you get back to the parking spot, cross the road and follow the trail on the other side of the road. Follow the footpath (there is a sign that says “Lud’s Church, Swythamley”)
This is the second section of the Lud’s church walk. Follow the path for approximately 1km until you reach a right turn. Turn right and follow the path down the steep hill and into the woods.
This is the most tricky section of terrain on the Lud’s church walk. The path is steep and uneven. Once you reach the woods turn left and follow the path a further 500m until you reach the top of Lud’s church.
You will see some steep steps leading down into the chasm. To explore Lud’s church walk carefully down the steps and follow the public footpath along the bottom of the chasm. When you reach the end of the chasm turn right and follow the woodland trail. After around 500m you will see a right turn. Go right here and after a very short distance you will be back at the trail where you entered the woods. At this point follow the path back up the hill and return to the parking place using the same paths.
ROUTE 3 Lud’s church walk and Danebridge – 10km round walk
- Highlights: Lud’s church and the river Dane
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Round walk
- Distance: 10km
- How long does it take to walk? 3-4 hours
- Start location: The Lud’s church walk starts at the Roadside parking on the bend near The Roaches School
- GPS 53.17746, -2.00782
- Terrain and Accessibility: Steep rocky paths and stiles – not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
This Lud’s church walk starts at the roadside parking on the bend near the Roches school. Follow the footpath (there is a sign that says “Lud’s Church, Swythamley”). Follow this path for around 2km. When you get to a T-junction take a left and follow the trail round past a farm (on your left). Around 500m past the farm keep your eye open for a public footpath on the left. Follow the footpath across the fields and into the woodlands. Follow the path around 300m through the woodlands until you reach the river Dane. When you reach the footpath by the river Dane go right and follow the path.
After around 1km the path leaves the woodlands and passes Beasley Back cottage. Keep following the path back into the woodlands. When you reach the junction at Black Brook take a sharp right (almost nack on yourself) and follow the path up to Lud’s church. When you get to Lud’s church follow the footpath through the bottom of the chasm. At the top of the chasm you will see some steep steps leading up to a footpath which leads around to the left through the top of the woods. Keep you eye open for a right turn (around 500m). Take the right turn which leads out of the woodlands and up a steep hill. Follow the path up to a t-junction at the top of the hill. Take a left and follow the path for around 1km back to the parking spot where you started.
What else is there to do near Lud’s church?
The Lud’s church walk is in the south of the Peak District National Park. There are lots of other great things to do in the area. Don’t miss the scenic Three Shires Head walk – another beauty spot only a few kilometers from Lud’s church. Also, don’t miss the Thor’s cave walk nearby. Dovedale is also a top beauty spot located in the south Peak District. Chatsworth is a very beautiful stately home and is well worth a day trip. Bakewell is also another great spot for walks and don’t miss the famous Bakewell Puddings.
One more thing – don’t miss our ultimate guide on Peak District family walks AND Peak District walks with toddlers.
