There are many parts of the Peak District which transport you to a different world. This national park is full of mysterious caves, mesmerising waterfalls and stunning walks.
In the southern half of the park, near the village of Gradbach is a breath-taking ravine unlike anywhere else you’ll come across in the Peak District. Lud’s Church is an 18-metre deep chasm caused by a giant landslip which occurred thousands of years ago.
Stretching on for around 100 metres, the gorge is lined with green, mossy walls which envelop you when you enter it. Up above trees have grown so they create a canopy above the ravine, creating a green tunnel you can walk through.
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When you arrive at Lud’s Church the first thing you’ll notice is how cool the air is. Even on the sunniest days the gorge remains cool and damp as the sunlight struggles to reach the bottom.
The gorge itself twists and turns so although it isn’t very long, it still provides plenty of intrigue round every corner. As you walk through it, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a different world.
The history of Lud’s Church only adds to its mystery. In the 15th Century it was used as a secret place of worship by the ‘Lollards’ - followers of the early church reformer and so-called ‘heretic’ John Wycliffe. It’s reputedly named after Walter de Ludank or Walter de Lud-Auk who was captured here at one of their meetings.
According to legend, the gorge was used as a hiding place by Robin Hood and his Merry Men. It’s also said to be the setting of a mediaeval poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Gawain being one of King Arthur’s legendary knights of the round table. With its towering green walls and otherworldly feel, its easy to see how this place belongs in a fairy tale.
To get to Lud’s Church you can follow a walking route from Gradbach car park - an hour and a half's drive from Manchester - which takes around 30 minutes. The path through the gorge is nearly always muddy so make sure you’ve got appropriate footwear. There are also a few steps to climb.
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