The Roaches are a rock formation located above the village of Leek in the Peak District. It exceeds 500 meters above sea level and the place attracts climbers and hikers in almost all periods of the year. They are called Roaches not because they look like cockroaches, but the name derives from the French roches which means rocks.
At the top of the Roaches there is a small pond that according to an old legend has a blue mermaid or nymph, which is supposed to be a girl fallen in the pond and who since then tries to invite those who enter to stay.
In the ’30s a group of wallabies were freed as the place is meant to be similar to Ayers Rock in Australia. Their descendants have been sighted recently so it looks like they like here.
Foto: © Copyright Graham Hogg and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The best view from the top of the Roaches is to the southwest where you can see the Churnet valley of the Tittesworth Reservoir.
You can also see the village of Leek with the stylized form of its bell tower. In good weather you can see a good part of the Cheshire plain that comes up to Wales and the peaks of Snowdonia. A breathtaking view!
Instead, if you look to the east you will see a barren land of heather and moss with several ponds, in short, a territory of sheep and little else. There are several paths to get to the top or you can climb the steep wall directly.
Foto: © Copyright Richard Law and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
This website will keep you updated on the latest sightings around the Roaches, including birds and wallabies.