What is Lud's Church?
Lud's Church is one of the most mysterious places in the Peak District. It is not, as many people assume, a man-made church, but a deep natural cleft hidden in a hillside at the top of the Black Forest in Cheshire.
There are many stories associated with Lud's Church. It has been cited as one of Robin Hood's hideouts, a secret place of worship for the Lollards (a heretic movement) and also most famously, as the site of the Green Chapel in Gawain and the Green Knight.
Being a big fan of all things weird and wonderful, I was amazed that I had never heard of this before, and had to make a trip there to see it for myself. This page attempts to reveal the unique nature of the site, but it can only be fully appreciated in person.
There are many stories associated with Lud's Church. It has been cited as one of Robin Hood's hideouts, a secret place of worship for the Lollards (a heretic movement) and also most famously, as the site of the Green Chapel in Gawain and the Green Knight.
Being a big fan of all things weird and wonderful, I was amazed that I had never heard of this before, and had to make a trip there to see it for myself. This page attempts to reveal the unique nature of the site, but it can only be fully appreciated in person.
How to Get to Lud's Church
The easiest way to find Lud's Church is to park at Gradbach carpark (off the A53 Buxton to Leek Road). *Note - weekends are busy so get there early if you can. Turn right out of the carpark and walk along the road until you reach Gradbach YHA. This takes about 15 minutes. I believe that there may be a path that runs below in the valley, but I have not tried this.At Gradbach YHA, stand with your back towards the mill and you should see a path that crosses a footbridge and leads directly into the dale (don't take the footbridge at the side of the mill that leads you up a steep path). You should see the frontage of the mill behind you (see photo) if you are on the right track.
The path is fairly well-signposted and you should follow the signs that lead up the hill and through the Black Forest to Swythamley. Continue up and across until you reach an outcrop of rocks at the top. The entrance to Lud's Church is very close...
Handy Links for Luds Church
- The Modern Antiquarian - Lud's Church
- Lud's Church (Ludchurch) (Natural Rock Feature) on The Modern Antiquarian, the UK & Ireland's most popular megalithic community website. 7 images, 5 fieldnotes, 6 pieces of folklore, plus information on many more ancient sites nearby and across the UK & Ireland.
- Youth Hostel, Gradbach - General - YHA
- Gradbach Youth Hostel, based in Peak District. This is a mere 15 minutes away from Lud's Church.
- Wincle Parish - The Ship Inn
- Wincle is a tiny, but very picturesque village near to Lud's Church. The Ship Inn serves fantastic food, but is packed out at the weekends. If you think you might want to eat here, then do book ahead. The restaurant is quite expensive, but bar snacks are available.
Where Does the Name Come From?
Lud's Church is thought to have been named after Walter de Ludank or Walter de Lud-Auk who was captured here as he worshipped with the Lollards.
Gawain and the Green Knight and Lud's Church explored...
I have included some interesting links from British newspapers below, which examine the site's links with the famous English poem.
- Peak District: Into the chasm of death - Telegraph
- In the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain faces an appointment with death in the Green Chapel. Neil Griffiths traverses the Peak District in search of this legendary venue, believed by scholars to be a natural ravine
- Simon Armitage in The Guardian
- Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one of the finest surviving examples of Middle English poetry, but little is known about the author - except hints that he came from the north of England. How could
Books connected with the legends of Lud's Church.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (A New Verse Translation)
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Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/13/2009) 
List Price: $14.95
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The Adventures of Robin Hood (Puffin Classics)
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Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 11/13/2009)
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The Lollards
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Amazon Price: $31.00 (as of 11/13/2009)
List Price: $38.00
Used Price: $19.98
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Walks that include Lud's Church
I have included a cuple of walks that include Lud's Church on the route. This is a fascinating part of the Peak District and crammed with geological delights.
- The Roaches & Lud's Church
- Snap the Peaks - a photo guide to walking in the Peak District, illustrated with maps and photographs.
- Walk 2604 - Dane Valley & Wincle from Rushton Spencer - Staffordshire - a walk description from Walking Britain
- The Dane Valley offers walkers some excellent scenery without too much effort.
- Luds Church - OS Explore
- Ordnance Survey map showing Lud's Church.
Lud's Church Exit
This image sums it up for me. It feels very ancient and full of wisdom. The light emanates from sun breaking through the canopy of the Black Forest.
by Meloramus
Meloramus is a bit of an information junkie, which you can see from her Melography.
Her current ambition is to build 100 lenses and see what happens....
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