Lud's Church

A magical woodland walk to the mysterious Lud's Church before walking along Back Forest Ridge for some of the finest views in Staffordshire.

Walk Details	Start Point
Distance: 7.58 km	Free Parking: Google Maps
Duration: 2.32	W3W: ///abundance.duck.fishery
OS Maps

After a comfortable night's stay at the lovely Green Man B&B in Leek, I set off for the short drive to Gradbach, the starting point for today's walk. 

Leaving the A53 behind, there was a wonderful feeling of freedom as I followed the narrow single-track lane through the rolling Staffordshire hills. It's one of those drives that's every bit as enjoyable as the walk itself, and by the time I reached the Gradbach car park, I already felt a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

From the car park, I wandered into the woodland, crossing Black Brook before following the peaceful forest path deeper into back forest. The sound of the river, birdsong and the towering trees made for a wonderfully relaxing start to the walk. 

For me, part of the magic of Lud's Church is the journey to get there. It's not just the dramatic chasm itself, but everything that comes before it, the scenic drive, the tranquil woodland and then, quite suddenly, the path drops away and you descend into this incredible moss covered cleft in the rock. It feels like stepping into another world, and it's easy to understand why legends and myths have become attached to the place. 

From Lud's Church, I made my way up to Back Forest Ridge, following the rocky trail with its breathtaking views across the Staffordshire countryside. I spent plenty of time stopping to admire the scenery before descending back through the woodland to Gradbach, bringing to an end another unforgettable walk.

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