Beginners / Light Hike

Peak District – Lud’s Church & Back Forest

Price £15        Concessionary: £4

To understand if you are eligible for concessionary tickets please go to https://womenoutdoors.co.uk/do-i-qualify-for-concessions/

Route Statistics

Length: 4.4 Miles

Elevation Gain: 951ft

Time: 3.5 hrs

Technical Difficulty: Easy

Start / Finish Point: Gradbach Car Park

Route Type: Footpaths

Parking Costs: TBC

Directions

View on Apple Maps

All of our hiking leaders hold the relevant qualifications and have heaps of knowledge on the plants, landscapes and history of our national parks. The leader will create a WhatsApp group before the event providing all the information you need and you ladies can also use the group to organise car share and get to know each other.

Route Description

As you descend into the rocky depths of Lud’s Church, it feels like you’ve entered another world, away from the typical green rolling dales and farming land of the Peak District. Lud’s Church is 18 metres deep and 100 metres long. Somehow trees have found a home on the dark, narrow cliff face and reach up for the light. And even though there is no steeple in site, it was used as a secret place for worship for people who would have otherwise been prosecuted in the fifteenth century. It’s also believed that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck once used it as a hiding place from the authorities.

What do I need to bring with me?

Walking boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support

Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters

Water: Bring at least 1 litre of water

Medication: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor aliments etc

Day Rucksack: something comfortable to wear, 20 litres+

Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using ziploc type food bags or outdoor activity waterproof bags.

Comfortable clothing: bring layers to let you adapt quickly to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (t-shirt) and a mid layer (micro fleece) and outer layer (jacket)

Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. On a warm day shorts are ok.

Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.

Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example. Put them in an easy reach area.

Packed lunch: bring a pack lunch unless otherwise stated

Hat or cap: stay warm in the winter and shaded in the summer

Gloves: weather dependant

Sunscreen: can be useful even on cloudy days

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are more than welcome, there may be livestock around so they may need to stay on the leads for parts of it.

Terms & Conditions

By booking or participating in a trip or event with us you are agreeing to the Women Outdoors Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)

Any questions please do not hesitate to ask,

Emma xx

emma.winter@womenoutdoorsuk.com