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We set off from near the Youth Hostel at Gradbach
walking in a westerly direction along the River Dane
until the point where Black Brook joins the river. After crossing Black
Brook over a small footbridge we head uphill into a wooded area following
signs for Swythamley. At the top of the hill we turn sharp left, walking for
a short distance before arriving at Luds Church to the right of the path. |
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Luds Church, (left photo) is thought to get its name from
being used as a place of worship early in the 15th century by the Lollards.
It is an impressive natural chasm in the rock caused by a landslip and is up
to 15 metres deep in places. |
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Walking through Luds Church brings us to
Forest Wood before turning right along a route marked 'concessionary
path' that heads towards open moors. From here there are walks to the south
towards the Roaches or you can head north west along the ridge before
turning back towards Gradbach and the River Dane. There are impressive views
from the ridge in all directions, towards Shutlingsloe (centre photo) and
across Cheshire and Staffordshire, including Tittesworth Reservoir and
Bosley Cloud hill, (right photo). |
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