Back Forest, near Gradbach, Staffordshire
Lud’s Church
Unusual place
Source image
7.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.3An 18-metre-deep cleft, hidden in woodland, where a sudden landslip has left a narrow passage of mossy gritstone walls. It is said to have sheltered secret worship in the 15th century.
A short stretch of chasm delivers an unusually dramatic change of scene: open Peak District landscape gives way to a cool, shadowed cleft lined with moss. Its striking geology, concealed approach and layered history make this far more than a viewpoint.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Wild
Find your way
Open mapBack Forest, near Gradbach, Staffordshire
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The experience
Lud’s Church is a roughly 100-metre-long, moss-covered chasm formed by a major landslip in the Roaches gritstone. Explore the cleft on foot, taking care on its steps and rough, damp surfaces. The site is associated with 15th-century Lollard worship; stories linking it to Robin Hood and the Green Chapel belong to local tradition and speculation.
Things to do
Walk through the moss-lined cleft
Explore the narrow chasm and notice how its shaded, green walls contrast with the more open landscape outside.
The chasm is about 100 metres long; allow extra time for a safe approach and careful exploration.
Notice the landslip landscape
Look at the scale and form of the gritstone cleft, described as having formed through a giant landslip in the Roaches gritstone.
Follow the Lollard story
Consider the account that the cleft was used for secret worship by Lollards in the 15th century; the source presents this as a historical association, not proof of every detail.
Take care on the steps and damp ground
The route descends into the cleft by stone steps. Visitor accounts describe muddy, uneven and slippery conditions, particularly after rain; use appropriate footwear and take your time.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours, including the walk in and time to explore; exact duration depends on the approach.
Quick escape: into the cleft
- 01
Choose a current, suitable walking approach from Gradbach, the Roaches or Back Forest; confirm the starting point and access before setting out.
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Follow the path to the concealed chasm entrance.
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Descend the stone steps carefully and explore the cleft at a measured pace.
- 04
Return by a confirmed route, allowing extra care for mud and slippery surfaces.
Half day · About 2–3 hours for a sourced circuit; allow additional time for stops and check route conditions.
Make a half day of it: chasm and woodland walk
- 01
Start from Gradbach only after confirming parking and the public footpath route.
- 02
Follow the described woodland approach, crossing the River Dane by the footbridge where the chosen route calls for it.
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Visit Lud’s Church and take time to notice the mossy walls, narrow passages and stone steps.
- 04
Continue only if using a verified route; otherwise return along the route you came by.
Verified history
The Peak District visitor source says Lud’s Church was used in the 15th century as a secret place of worship by Lollards, followers of John Wycliffe who faced persecution. The cleft’s association with worship is part of its history; specific claims about named individuals should not be treated as established by this evidence.
Folklore & legend
Local stories associate the cleft with Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hiding from authorities. Another tale says the Devil carved it with a fingernail. Lud’s Church has also been suggested as an inspiration for the Green Chapel in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; that connection is a literary suggestion, not a verified historical fact.
Hidden details
The concealed entrance — The entrance can be easy to miss. One walking account describes a marker slab near the entrance; use a current map or reliable route directions rather than relying on the accepted main-place pin.
The sudden change into the cleft — The short chasm is described as a deep, moss-covered passage that feels markedly different from the open landscape around it. Pause to notice the shaded walls and the change in light as you enter.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear, relatively dry day; consider an early start if you prefer quieter paths.
The chasm’s shaded, damp character is part of its appeal, but wet conditions can make the approach and steps muddy or slippery. The sources do not establish a specific seasonal wildlife or flowering highlight.
After rain, expect potentially boggy or slippery ground. Use footwear with good grip, take care on stone steps and check current conditions before setting out.
Worth pairing with
The Roaches
The visitor source identifies the nearby Roaches as an area of gritstone edges and craggy rocks, and says Lud’s Church can be accessed via the Roaches. Treat this as a separate walk requiring its own route and time planning.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the abrupt transition from woodland into the narrow cleft
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the moss and ferns on the shaded gritstone walls
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the steep stone steps
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and the changes in light and temperature as the passage closes around you.
The story
15th-century Lollard worship; local legend
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for generally more comfortable walking; avoid assuming the ground will be dry. The shaded chasm can be slippery and boggy after rain.
Choose a clear, relatively dry day for safer footing on the approach and steps. An early start may help avoid busier periods, though current visitor levels are not predictable.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
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Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Reached on foot via routes from Gradbach, the Roaches or Back Forest. The accepted map pin marks the place, not an entrance or car park. The chasm has steep stone steps and uneven, potentially muddy ground; take care, especially after rain. Check current access and route conditions before visiting.
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Parking
Gradbach is described as a starting point, but parking availability, charges and current arrangements are not verified. Check before travelling; do not use the map pin as a parking location.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Not suitable to assume wheelchair or pushchair access. Routes include steep sections; the chasm is reached by stone steps and has uneven ground that may become muddy or slippery.
Cost
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Gallery
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Around Lud’s Church
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
