Doxey Pool

Staffordshire Moorlands

Leekfrith

Doxey Pool

Highlight • Viewpoint

Doxey Pool

Hiking

4.9

(381)

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Peak District National Park

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Location: Leekfrith, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, West Midlands Region, England, United Kingdom

Tips

February 5, 2019

Hiking

This tiny little pool is said to be home to a malicious mermaid named Jenny Greenteeth. The mysterious Doxey Pool can be found on the path that runs across the top of the Roaches, a gritstone escarpment not far from the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.

Cookie's companions👣🐾🐾💔💔

February 16, 2019

Hiking

It is a very unusual find on the walk. Sadly there was a blazing fire here that stretched across the upper tier of The Roaches last summer. All heather and grasses are gone and even the lower nature reserve has had the tree tops badly scorched. A real tragedy.

(Jenny Greenteeth sounds like one ugly mermaid.)

David Adams

June 2, 2020

Hiking

There can't be many viewpoints that beat the Roaches within the UK. Views of the Wrekin, Malverns, Long Mynd and Shropshire Hills. The Cambrian Mountains, Snowdonia and the Clwydians further north. All across the Cheshire plain to Chester and north to Manchester , with the southern Pennines hills rising behind in the distance. It's also fun trying to spot the big disc of the massive Lovel telescope at Jodrell Bank which is easy or hard depending on which way the disc is pointing and if it's a sunny day.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Doxey Pool

4.8

(300)

2,240

hikers

#1.

The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

11.3km

03:24

330m

Embark on a difficult 7.0-mile (11.3 km) hike that takes you from the dramatic gritstone ridges of The Roaches to the mysterious, moss-covered chasm of Lud's Church. This route, typically completed in 3 hours and 23 minutes, offers a captivating journey through varied terrain. You'll gain 1091 feet (333 metres) in elevation as you traverse rocky paths along the Roaches escarpment, where steep climbs over crags and boulders demand sure-footedness. From the ridge, sweeping panoramic views stretch across Staffordshire and Derbyshire, revealing Tittesworth Reservoir. In stark contrast, Lud's Church awaits as a deep, narrow chasm hidden within the Black Forest, its lush, green walls overgrown with moss and ferns, creating an otherworldly, shaded environment. The path within Lud's Church can be muddy and slippery, so good footwear is essential.

Planning your visit requires good fitness and sturdy footwear for the varied terrain. While the trail is generally rated as difficult, some sections, particularly the ascent to The Roaches ridge, involve steep climbs. The path through Lud's Church is often damp, and rocks can be slippery, especially after rain. This hike is best enjoyed when conditions are dry to fully appreciate both the exposed ridge and the enclosed chasm. Always check local weather forecasts before you head out.

This trail offers a unique blend of landscapes, transitioning from the rugged gritstone of The Roaches to the ancient woodlands and chasm of Lud's Church. Both locations are rich in local legends and history, adding another layer to your adventure. The Roaches are an iconic gritstone escarpment, while Lud's Church is a significant natural cleft formed by a landslip. It is rumored to have been a hiding place for religious dissenters and medieval outlaws, with connections to Robin Hood and Arthurian legend. This diverse geological and historical significance makes the route a standout in the Peak District National Park.

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