Lud's Church is a deep chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit bedrock caused by a massive landslip on the hillside above the village of Gradbach, Staffordshire.

While not actually being a church per se, it is steeped in history and myths. The Lollards, who were a form of Christians in the early 15th century are said to have worshipped here secretly, to hide from persecution for their religious beliefs. There has also been much discussion on whether the chasm is the setting of 'The Green Chapel' in the medieval poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'.



We did a short walk, about 2 1/2 miles from The Roaches, through the woods.

Through The Woods, The Peak District

It is a rocky walk down, although it wasn't too muddy when walked, which was lucky. After a short but steep decline, the path then starts to rise. You will pass a few different signposts directing you the correct way to walk, as this is a very popular place for tourists.

You soon come upon Lud's Church, although you may not notice it. The first sign you are there is a hole in the ground, which when you look in, leads to a very deep hidden chasm.



Walk to the steps and head down into the chasm and you will soon be dwarfed by its sheer size, which is almost completely hidden as you walk above it. It is tucked away in the ground. Surprising, as it is around 328 foot long and 59 foot deep.

Lud's ChurchLud's Church is a deep chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit bedrock created by a massive landslip on the hillside above Gradbach, Staffordshire, England.

Lud's ChurchLud's Church is a deep chasm penetrating the Millstone Grit bedrock created by a massive landslip on the hillside above Gradbach, Staffordshire, England. The walk back is pleasant, if not a bit steep in places. Although when you reach the top of the path you are rewarded with incredible views across Staffordshire and Cheshire.

View of Cheshire from The Roaches

When you reach the top of the path, you will see a signpost. You can continue your walk, following the sign. We chose to head back towards the roaches.

Sign Post, The Roaches, The Peak District You walk back towards the roaches along the ridge, which on this day was very windy, although the views are still extraordinary.

The Roaches, The Peak District We got back to the car just as the sun was setting and finishing the day off with an incredible sunset, which is usually the case in The Peak District.

Sunset over a gate, The Roaches, The Peak District

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